Rail Corridor Fire Prevention

Much like roadsides, vegetation along railroad corridors creates risk of fire ignition and spread. With the increasing prevalence of homeless encampments along road and railroad corridors, particularly in and near urban areas, this risk has increased significantly in the past several years. The Regional Priority Plan team recommends assessing this risk using data from county and city fire agencies and social service agencies on the locations of homeless encampments, prioritizing ecologically appropriate rail corridor vegetation management proximate to these locations. Fire agencies are coordinating actively with the railroad on risk mitigation when needed. We also recommend a countywide assessment of rail corridors in areas of high priority for fire prevention actions as per the RPP fire risk modeling results and Spatial Decision Support System. A concerted effort to ensure rail corridors in high risk areas are well managed will meaningfully contribute to local fire risk reduction.

Status: Unknown

Cost: Low

Partners:

Funding Sources:

Permitting: Clearing of rail corridor vegetation would likely fall under a CEQA categorical exemption under routine maintenance to existing facilities, or minor alterations to land, and may require coordination with CALTRANS and SPRR to assess whether vegetation around the corridors encroaches into their easements.

Additional Notes: Suggested by Lisa Stratton at UCSB.