Amador County – The Amador Fire Protection Authority board of directors last week discussed the recent public workshop on fire defensible space and insurance, and some new laws counties face.

AFPA Board Chairwoman, Jackson Vice Mayor Connie Gonsalves said she attended the setback workshop that was started by a couple of concerned citizens, who are concerned that the insurance companies would not insure people. Gonsalves said “working in the industry, I can say that is a possibility.”

She said some insurance companies require 500 feet of defensible space, and others require 1,000 feet. Some require the equivalent of a clear-cut as defensible space.

Board member, Supervisor Ted Novelli said it was requested at the meeting, hosted by Supervisors, that an ad hoc committee be formed, but he said Supervisor Vice Chair Richard Forster did not want to have another ad hoc committee.

Gonsalves said the setbacks are a very serious issue that we all face, for a number of different reasons. One is the water flow in the Upcountry. Another is the particular clearances, and she wanted the AFPA board to be aware of the issues because it will probably come through us again.” She said “if we are a model county, and make sure all of the properties are clear,” the insurance industry might look at that.

Board member Jake Herfel of Jackson Valley Fire District, said the problem was that one-third of the county can’t meet the requirements.

Amador Fire Protection District Chief Jim McCart said the fire department numbers are another issue, and homes are supposed to be within five road-miles of a fire station. He said with that requirement (which formerly was 10 road miles) we might possibly need more fire stations.

Novelli said Robert Manassero of Manassero Insurance, during the workshop noted that three major carriers have cut people that they insure, and some are not even taking new customers in the county anymore.

Novelli said Wendell Peart sent a letter about the issue to Supervisors, and copies to the governor, the Regional Council of Rural Counties, Senator Ted Gaines, and Assemblywoman Alyson Huber.

The issue will be the topic of discussion at a Thursday, April 26 meeting of the Amador Fire Safe Council, which will discuss with the public its Community Conservation Wildfire Protection Plan for the Greater Pine Grove Area.

Executive Director Cathy Koos Breazeal said over two months, Fire Safe Council has been driving every street, road and lane in the Pine Grove area, conducting neighborhood risk assessments, gauging fuel models and risk. People can come see how their “neighborhood stacks up and learn tips on how to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildland fire.”

The meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the Pine Grove Town Hall on Highway 88.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.