Fire suppression coalition lists recommendations

MENDOCINO » The Mendocino Fire Suppression Coalition has released an open letterwarning of the fire dangers to theHistoric Preservation District of Mendocino, and the steps they believe should be taken to mitigate fire hazards in the area. Members of theMendocino Fire Suppression Coalition include Bill Zimmer, Ed O’Brien and Peter Braudrick.

“The Historic Preservation District ofMendocino is surrounded by State Park property, therefore all efforts to mitigate fire hazards on the lands that surround the town must go through California State Parks,” stated the release.

To the north of town, the landscape is choked with brush and grass that has fueled the disastrous wildfires that cause catastrophic damage annually in California, the coalition wrote. “This hazard has to be eliminated in the first stage of our fight. Work crews from State Parks and Parlin Forks should be put to work clearing away this hazard this winter.”

The second request is that theMendocino School District allow the county to extend their current water lines and hydrants along Little Lake Street down Howard and Kasten Streets to Main Street.

“The Howard Street installation would come first in order to bring more water more quickly to two of the larger fire dangers in town, the Bakery building and Schlafers, with hydrants on Main and Ukiah streets,” stated the coalition. “A very rough estimate, based on conversations with Paulson Excavating and the length of the run, puts the cost at approximately $200,000.”

This is not a comprehensive plan; it is a start, said spokesperson Bill Zimmer.

If you would like to join the Mendocino Fire Suppression Coalition or simply to provide advice please don’t hesitate to drop a note to the Mendocino Fire Suppression Coalition, Box 263, Mendocino, California 95460.