The county Board of Supervisors Tuesday directed staff to assess areas newly designated as “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones” and recommend ways to keep them clear of homeless encampments.
In March, Cal Fire released an updated map categorizing areas statewide as moderate, high or very high fire hazard zones
According to Tuesday’s motion by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Lindsey Horvath, “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZs)” across Southern California increased by 26%, including some of the county’s most populous areas.
“In the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, it is imperative that the County ensure it has the resources to address the increase in VHFHSZs, including working with jurisdictional partners who have the responsibility to address encampments in their own VHFHSZs,” the motion stated.
“This will ensure that the County is taking proactive measures to mitigate fires in newly designated VHFHSZs and prevent loss of life and property for housed and unhoused residents alike.”
The board directed the county Fire Department to work with the departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation to identify new areas designated as a VHFHSZ and determine any shared jurisdiction. A report is due in 30 days.
In a separate report due in 90 days, the board directed the Chief Executive Office Homeless Initiative, the Sheriff Department Homeless Outreach Sheriff Team and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to recommend strategies for clearing encampments from the areas. The report must also include housing alternatives for people displaced from those zones.