Fallbrook FSC 2004 Accomplishments

• December: to kick off our 2005 Fund Raising for Vegetation Abatement, Allstate Insurance donated a generous check. Watch for more information and activity regarding this important community activity. Don't be fooled by winter rains, Fallbrook is not Fire Proof!
• October: received TOP (Technology Opportunities Program) grant in conjunction with San Diego State University Foundation and affiliates to install an array of 13 state-of-the-art wireless fire detection sensors, four weather stations, and four remote cameras for early fire detection in the Santa Margarita ecological reserve area. The program will start in early 2005.
• August: presentation on vegetation abatement 'state-of-the-art' equipment by Matt McHolland Services.
• July: Delivered blue fire hydrant reflectors to North County Fire Explorers to install.
• June: In conjunction with The Village News, NCFPD and the SD County FireSafe Council, created and mailed 7000 copies of 'Living with Wildfire' pamphlets to all Village News subscribers
  • Spoke at a public meeting hosted by FFSC and SD County OES (Office of Emergency Services) on need of a Community Emergency Disaster Plan for Greater Fallbrook area, including evacuation and vegetation abatement plan
  • Ran a four-part synopsis of the Hunt Report on Fallbrook's Fire Risks in The Village News
• May: With NCFPD, authored a contractor/landscape architect letter the need to use fire resistant building and landscape materials
  • Drafted 'letter to the editor' to Supervisor Horn requesting more assistance from the county on fire prevention
  • Introduced 'Red Flags' warning program. Thank you to the Growing Stitches, a wonderful Fallbrook sewing group for providing the flags.
• March: Presented a neighborhood forum on fire issues to Los Alisos Homeowners' Association
  • With the Mission Resource Conservation District, hosted 12 educational presentations on fire prevention during the months March through May
• February: Worked with Hidden Meadows community on their establishing a Deer Springs Fire Safe Council, discussed a combined North County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program
• January: Completed three grant proposals for Fire Wise Grant Clearing House Program: Fire Prevention Community Educator; Los Alisos Neighborhood Vegetation Abatement; Wildland/Urban Interface Vegetation Abatement
• Submitted a TOP grant with San Diego State University and Ambient Controls (selection to be October 2004) We got it! See October 2004!
  • Reactivated the Evacuation Committee for Fallbrook area (volunteers still needed to work on this effort

Fallbrook FSC 2003 Accomplishments

February: Sponsored local press conference for Community Awards after Gavilan Fire

March—May:Met with California Department of Forestry (CDF) to discuss Gavilan Fire & Prevention issues Discussed a reverse “911” system with representatives from Senator Hollingsworth and Representative Horn's offices

• Introduced Ambient Controls technology to CDF and North County Fire department

June: Met with representatives from Senators Feinstein and Boxer's offices to discuss fire safety issues

• Participated in Fallbrook's Hot Friday Night block party, distributing literature on fire prevention and safety
• Hosted the first Neighborhood Forum to educate our community on our high fire risk and prevention

July: Members hosted four (4) mini-neighborhood forums to assist on local issues relevant to those homeowners

• Fallbrook FireSafe Council received 501C and nonprofit tax status

August: Made 'Today's Fire Risk' fire warning signs for Fallbrook, Bonsall, De Luz, and Rainbow (funding from Allstate Insurance)

• Implemented the FFSC web site
• Connected with SBA's Office of Advocacy (Washington, D.C.) regarding economic impact of environmental and fire prevention issues
• Worked with County of SD and the North County Fire Explorers to install blue fire hydrant reflectors

September: Worked with SD County Sheriffs and NC Fire departments on evacuation issues for area residents

• Held first Vegetation Abatement community meeting

October: Received a Community Services Award from North County Fire Protection District

• Conducted a communication 'phone tree' at the request of NCFPD. This system advises people of wildfires burning in SD county and the potential of a Fallbrook evacuation
• Spoke at Fallbrook Ministerial Association and local church disaster preparedness meetings on fire risk, prevention, and mitigation issues

November: Provided tips to San Diego Union Tribune on how fire victims can rebuild their lives, insurance issues, establish victim support groups and other post-fire issues