It's difficult to ignore the fact that wildfire seasons are now longer and more intense. In part, this is due to climate change impacts and longterm fire suppression practices. Forest health and community safety are the cornerstone of San Mateo County Parks' fire fuel reduction and fire preparedness programs that will be carried out over the next several years.

Fuel Breaks

San Mateo County Parks' strategy focuses on creation of defensible spaces, known as fuel breaks, around Department infrastructure and neighboring residences. Objectives are to thin over-dense vegetation, remove dead and diseased trees, and improve visibility and accessibility to fire trails that can support fire suppression apparatus and may become evacuation routes for the public during an emergency. Trees in designated areas that are under 10-inches in diameter or that are dead or dying will be removed, as well as ground vegetation within 100 feet of fire trails and roads. This method has the benefit of preserving mature trees. See before-and-after photos of a previous fuel break work below.

Ecological Benefits

In addition to increasing safety for neighboring communities, fuel reduction work has long-term benefits for forest ecosystems. Learn more »