Wine Country Times

Santa Rosa City Council members approved a limited burn program on March 17 that would allow select landowners within city limits to burn small piles of dead vegetation.

Councilman Tom Schwedhelm explained the need for the program in an interview.

"The whole of this issue is to prevent the loss of life, reduce fire suppression costs, reduce private property losses and protect national resources from devastating wildfires," Schwedhelm said. "With some of the more challenging landscaped areas this will be a benefit for the City of Santa Rosa."

The burn program focuses on areas located along city limits that fade into undeveloped parts of the county that prevent a more direct approach to the removal of vegetation. The program also presented an opportunity to discuss greener options for fire mitigation.

"The challenge for some of the large logs are you'd have to helicopter them out, which is not practical for anyone," Schwedhelm said. "We also had a lengthy conversation about the use of goats or other animals so that's also an option."

According to Schwedhelm, his main concern is the safety of the community and the limited burn program is another useful fool to ensure that goal.

"I just look at this as another tool in the toolbox of fire prevention division about how we make this a safe a community," Schwedhelm said. "There's not just one magic bullet that's going to solve all our fuel mitigation issues so this is just another one of those tools."

Schwedhelm also stated that chipping the excess vegetation was discussed during the meeting as the city hosts wood chipping events to remove excess vegetation. However, the steep terrain in the areas would make this option impractical.

The program applies to approximately 32 lots and properties across five acres within the city limits. Residents who apply will have to get a permit from the fire department who in turn would supervise and help facilitate the process in a safe manner.

Additionally, Schwedhelm stated the program is not to be confused with the county's burn program which encompasses a different geographical region. The city limited burn program covers the Hillside area up to the Cottongrove area.