Regional FPD MSR Adopted 7 17 13

Blue Lake, Kneeland & Willow Creek Fire Protection Districts Municipal Service Review Adopted July 17, 2013 HUMBOLDT LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION Commissioners Virginia Bass, District 4 Supervisor Estelle Fennell, District 2 Supervisor Mike Losey, Fortuna City Council Mike Newman, Eureka City Council Troy Nicolini, Samoa Peninsula Fire Protection District Board Jeff Pauli, Humboldt No. 1 Fire Protection District Board Robert McPherson, Public Member Staff George Williamson, AICP, Executive Officer Colette Metz, Administrator Vanessa Blodgett, GIS Technician Acknowledgements LAFCo staff would like to thank the contributors to this Municipal Service Review. Input instrumental in completing this report was provided by: Rick Hardin, fire chief of the Kneeland FPD; Jan Joki, former chair of the Willow Creek FPD; Ray Stonebarger, fire chief of the Blue Lake FPD, and John Miller and Cybelle Immitt from Humboldt County Planning and Public Works Departments. This report would not have been possible without their assistance. Blue Lake, Kneeland & Willow Creek Fire Protection Districts Municipal Service Review Adopted July 17, 2013 Prepared by Humboldt LAFCo www.humboldtlafco.org TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction .........................................................................................................................1 1.1 Uses of the Report ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Review Methods ........................................................................................................................... 2 2.0 Fire Protection Overview ....................................................................................................3 2.1 Humboldt County Fire Services .................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Service Providers and Service Areas ......................................................................................... 3 3.0 Service Agency Profiles ...................................................................................................1 0 3.1 Blue Lake Fire Protection District .............................................................................................. 10 3.2 Kneeland Fire Protection District ............................................................................................. 15 3.3 Willow Creek Fire Protection District ....................................................................................... 20 3.4 Other Fire Agencies ................................................................................................................... 24 4.0 Service Characteristics and Opportunities ..................................................................... 25 4.1 Training ......................................................................................................................................... 25 4.2 Response Times ........................................................................................................................... 25 4.3 Level of Service ........................................................................................................................... 25 4.4 New Development Outside Boundaries ................................................................................ 26 4.5 Annexation .................................................................................................................................. 27 4.6 District Formation ........................................................................................................................ 28 5.0 Municipal Service Review Determinations ..................................................................... 29 5.1 Blue Lake Fire Protection District ............................................................................................. 30 5.2 Kneeland Fire Protection District ............................................................................................. 32 5.3 Willow Creek Fire Protection District ....................................................................................... 34 6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations ...............................................................................3 6 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Fire Protection Overview ................................................................................................. 6 Figure 2 Blue Lake Fire Protection District and Response Area ................................................................ 7 Figure 3 Kneeland Fire Protection District and Response Area ................................................................ 8 Figure 4 Willow Creek Fire Protection District and Response Area .......................................................... 9 1 INTRODUCTION The mandate for Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos) to conduct service reviews is part of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH Act), California Government Code Section 56000 et seq. LAFCos are required to conduct service reviews prior to or in conjunction with sphere of influence updates and are required to review and update the sphere of influence for each city and special district as necessary, but not less than once every five years. The service review must include an analysis of the service issues and written determinations in each of the following categories: Growth and population projections for the affected area; o The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities o within or contiguous to the sphere; Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and o infrastructure needs or deficiencies; Financial ability of the agency to provide services; o Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities; o Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and o operational efficiencies; and Any other matter affecting or related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required o by Commission policy. The preparation of a municipal service review for fire protection service providers in the east county region serves to determine the best approaches to improve service levels and expand service to areas outside existing fire district boundaries. The service review provides an overview of fire protection services along with profiles of each agency, evaluates the provision of these services, and identifies opportunities to increase the efficiency of service provision. The report includes service review determinations and sphere of influence recommendations and determinations for each of the following fire districts: Kneeland Fire Protection District o Willow Creek Fire Protection District o Blue Lake Fire Protection District o 1.1 Uses of the Report This service review was conducted during a time of unprecedented financial challenge for local governments in California. Most local fire protection service providers report having insufficient funding to adequately respond to the demands placed on their service1. In addition, many developed areas of the county are located outside jurisdictions responsible for year-round structural fire protection and receive services on a “goodwill” basis. This has created strong interest among local fire organizations to find ways to expand existing district boundaries, or develop contracts or agreements to fund fire services to areas outside of fire district boundaries. The service review process provides LAFCo with a tool for studying existing and future public service conditions, evaluating organizational options for accommodating growth, and 1 Humboldt County Master Fire Protection Plan, 2006 1 examining whether critical services are provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The potential uses of this report are described below. To Update Spheres of Influence LAFCo will use this report as a basis to update the spheres of influence of the three fire districts. Markedly, spheres of influence designate the territory LAFCOs believe represent the affected agencies' appropriate future jurisdictions and service areas. All boundary changes, such as annexations, must be consistent with the affected agencies' spheres of influence with limited exceptions. To Consider Jurisdictional Boundary Changes The report contains a discussion of various alternative government structures for efficient service provision. LAFCo is not required to initiate any boundary changes based on service reviews. However, LAFCo, other local agencies (including cities, special districts or the County) or the public may subsequently use this report together with additional research and analysis, where necessary, to pursue changes in jurisdictional boundaries. Resource for Further Studies Other entities and the public may use this report for further studies and analysis of issues relating to fire protection and emergency medical services in Humboldt County. 1.2 Review Methods The following information was gathered from the fire districts to understand the current status of district operations and services: 1. Governance and Organization 2. Financial 3. Personnel 4. Training 5. Calls for Service 6. Response Standards and Performance 7. Mutual/Automatic Aid 8. Stations and Apparatus In addition, LAFCo obtained call data from annual reports published by the Fire Chief’s Association, response mapping from the County Planning staff, and regional fire service information from the Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Other source documents include, but are not limited to, the following: Humboldt County Master Fire Protection Plan o Humboldt County General Plan Update o Humboldt County Community Infrastructure and Services Technical Report o Willow Creek Greater Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan o Information gathered was analyzed and applied to make the required determinations for each agency and reach conclusion about the focus issues identified in the service review. All information gathered for this report is filed by LAFCo for future reference. 2 2 FIRE PROTECTION OVERVIEW This chapter provides a summary of fire protection services in Humboldt County and, more specifically, a comparative overview of the fire protection capabilities of the local agencies covered by this service review. 2.1 Humboldt County Fire Services2 Fire and emergency services delivery in Humboldt County is complex. There are 45 fire departments providing fire protection to cities and unincorporated communities throughout the county. The majority of local fire service providers are associated with a special district, including one (1) County Service Area (CSA); eight (8) Community Service Districts (CSDs); 18 Fire Protection Districts (FPDs), and one (1) Resort Improvement District (RID), with the remainder consisting of two (2) city fire departments, and 14 fire companies not associated with local government agencies. There are also four (4) state, federal, or tribal fire departments providing seasonal wildland fire protection that also work in cooperation with local fire departments. The districts were formed to provide fire services within a specific jurisdictional boundary and are supported by revenue from a combination of taxes, fees, and fundraising. Many of these jurisdictional boundaries were created as far back as the 1930’s. Since that time, neighborhoods, scattered subdivisions, and rural residential development have emerged outside of district boundaries. This newer development requires year-round fire protection and emergency services, which it receives in a variety of ways. Some areas outside the boundaries of an established district receive fire protection from district resources responding outside of their jurisdictional areas. This type of out of district service is often referred to as “goodwill service.” District fire departments provide service to these areas even though they are under no obligation to do so and receive no compensation for their service, other than donations. This practice can put a strain on already limited resources. Furthermore, property owners within the district may question why the services funded through their taxes are benefiting out of district residents, particularly if they pay a special tax or benefit assessment specifically for fire protection. Many areas outside the boundaries of an established district receive fire protection from a fire company that is not affiliated with a district. These fire companies receive no tax revenue and depend solely on revenue generated from community donations, fundraisers, and grants. Some communities are more supportive of their local fire companies than others and support can fluctuate dramatically depending on local economic conditions. 2.2 Service Providers and Service Areas The study area for this service review is eastern Humboldt County where a significant portion of the unincorporated area is located outside local Fire Protection District (FPD) boundaries. Community fire protection services in this area are provided by the Blue Lake, Kneeland, and Willow Creek FPDs, which are the subject of this report. The following table summarizes the 2 This section references information included in the 2012 Humboldt County Fire Chief’s Association Annual Report and the Humboldt County General Plan PEIR, Chapter 3.4 Public Services. 3 district and out of district response areas, fire stations, equipment available, and number of firefighters (both paid and volunteer) for each district. As shown, the combined out of district response areas for these districts cover approximately 154,880 acres (or 242 square miles), which represents an area over four (4) times larger than the total district areas combined. While the district boundaries define the geographical extent of the authority and responsibility of a district, the district response areas have been established over time in areas where no FPD exists. Area in Square Miles Service District Non- Provider Population District District Stations Apparatus Firefighters Response Area 1 Paid Blue Lake 2,370 14 93 1 8 21 Volunteer FPD 2 Auxiliary 0 Paid Kneeland 712 38 92 1 3 10 Volunteer FPD 6 Auxiliary 0 Paid Willow Creek 1,737 6.6 57 1 5 22 Volunteer FPD 0 Auxiliary Fire Protection Districts are authorized under section 13800 et seq. of the California Health and Safety Code to provide a range of emergency response services, including wildfire and community (structure) fire protection, medical aid, technical rescue, hazardous materials containment and control, and general public assistance responses. In fact, all local fire organizations have a far greater percentage of calls for medical aid than calls for fire protection.3 The following table summarizes the total calls for service in 2012 and the types of services provided the Blue Lake, Kneeland, and Willow Creek FPDs. Services General Service Total Calls Areas Provider (2012) Protected eriF SME cisaB lacinhceT eucseR taMzaH eriF noitneverP Blue Lake Blue Lake Glendale 224      FPD S.R. 299 Kneeland Kneeland 30    FPD Butler Valley Willow Creek Willow Creek 172    FPD S.R. 299 3 Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Chapter II.3. Wildfire Protection Capabilities. 4 The lack of adequate funding remains the most critical issue facing local fire service providers. Some departments indicate that revenue is insufficient to cover even the basic costs of operation and administrative tasks. The following table identifies the funding sources available to the Blue Lake, Kneeland, and Willow Creek FPDs, and the fiscal year 2009-10 revenues and expenditures for each district as reported by the State Controller’s Office. Funding Budget (FY 2009-10) Service Formation Provider Date xaT ytreporP xaT laicepS laicepS tnemssessA seeF ecivreS 271 porP gnidnuF & stnarG snoitanoD euneveR )lautca( serutidnepxE )lautca( Blue Lake 1952     $317,453 $280,863 FPD Kneeland 1990    $26,605 $27,137 FPD Willow Creek 1959      $143,560 $119,938 FPD As demonstrated in the above tables, fire protection demands and service capabilities vary between the districts. The districts have varying numbers of volunteers to serve the population within their service boundaries. Also, there is a significant variation in the funding available, which ultimately results in variations in levels of service. However, even the better funded departments are finding the costs of fire service, driven by increasing employee related costs ‐ and continuing growth and demands for service, are increasing faster than the underlying ‐ revenue base, causing continued stress. 5 Hoopa Fire Management PINE RIDGE RD Ho V o F p D a MU F RR OLD i A RR G Y R e A D R E RD D l F F S d i i t b e r a e r l t d i o Lower So o uth F b ork Lit o tle n Riv r er k ook Upper South Fork L Nroh t i oF Mk r t Rd a revi tle River East Fork North Fo L r i k ttl M e Ri a ve d r River ·|}þ STOVER RD OLD DOLLY VARDEN RD BAIR RD W W i i l l l l o o w w Creek FPD OLD RR GRADE VFD 299 C St r a e t e io k n Fire ·|}þ O R B DL EIF B M l CAD u AMS e RD LakeLIS C F OM H P ILL R D D S 299 D R K O ·|}þ 299 Blue Lake N O W C A M Willow Creek Fire A F rc P a D ta WEST END RD DR YREHCTAH F S i t r a e tion R B B ALD e l MO u s UNT p e AIN R o D L n a s k e e A P R D F r i e re a Response Area C TR O I U N N IT T Y Y FICKLE HILL RD Mad R evi r b ol d t Fi r e JACO R BY CR e E A EK s RD r p c o a K n t n a s e e e F l A i a r n r e e d a MAPLE CREEK RD BARR W R A D RD RD SNOW CAMP RD H GU IG Y H K P E R R A R I R R I A E N R C D H RD H C UM O B U O N L TY DT my Fire a Maple H uB Station Creek Fire Station FRESHWATER RD K K n NEEL e ANDe RDland FPD MAPLE CREEK RD Kneeland Fire Response Area District Bridgeville FPD Out of District County Boundary ¯ 0 2.5 5Miles Van Duzen Riv·e|}þr Van Duzen River 36 Figure Regional Fire Protection Overview 1 Eastern Humboldt County Sources: Boundaries - Humboldt County CDSD, Roads - US Census TIGER, Rivers - CA FRAP Date: July 17,2013 Hoopa VFD PIN E R ID G E R D O Low er South Fork Little River Upper South Fork Little River Little River STOVER RD LD R R G R MURRAY A D R E R D D F F S i i t e r a e l t d io b n rook Notr h F ro k aM R d evi r East Fork North Fork Mad River O LD D O LLY VAR BAIR RD D E N Fieldbrook R D VFD ·|}þ O 299 LD R R G R AD E D R K O O R B DL EIF MCADAMS RD Blue La LIS k CO e M F HIL P L R D D S N O CHEZUM RD ·|}þ 299 Glendale W ·|}þ Blue Lake C A M 299 Fire P R D Willow Creek Fire Station A F rc P a D ta WEST END RD D BALD MOUNTAIN RD Response Area R YR Korbel Blue Lake Fire E H C Response Area TAH FICKLE HILL RD M ad R vi er JACOBY CREEK R R D e A s r p c o a n ta se F A ir r e ea M AP LE C R EE K R D BARR W R A D RD RD SN O W C AM P R D H G I U G Y H K P E R R A R I R R I A E N R C D H RD H C UM O B U O N L TY DT Kneeland Fire Kneeland Response Area District Fire Station Maple Out of District Kneeland FPD Creek Fire FRESHWATER RD KNEELAND RD S M APL t E C a REEK t RD ion 0 Cou 1 n .5 ty Boundary 3Mil F es igu ¯ re Blue Lake Fire Protection District 2 Sources: Boundaries - Humboldt County CDSD, Roads - US Census TIGER, Rivers - CA FRAP Date: July 17,2013 Willow Creek Fire WEST END RD D BALD MOUNTAIN RD Response Area R YR Korbel E Blue LakeH FPD C TAH A F rc P a D ta FICKLE HILL RD M ad R vi er t B a y Fi r e GREENWOOD J A H C E O I B G Y H C T R S EEK R R D e A s r p K c o n a n e t e a s l e a F n A ir d r e ea FIC KLE H ILL M AP LE C R EE K R D BARR W R A D RD RD R B e lu sp e o L n a s k e e A F r SN O i W C AM e rP R D e a H G I U G Y H K P E R R A R I R R I A E N R C D H RD H C UM O B U O N L TY DT b ol d F S i t r a e tion Maple SNO W C H u m KNEELAND RD KNEELA K ND n RD eela B V n U A T L d L L E E R F Y PD CHESTER AVE Maple Creek C S M APL t E r C a R e EEK t e RD io k n Fire POWERLINE AM P BARRY Kneeland Fire Response Area D N R MOUNTAIN ULLE VIEW M M TI K N E E LA N D R D M APLE CREEK RD D R R ATE SL TO M S H A W SHOWERS PASS K N E E LA N D R D Bridgeville FPD District Out of District County Boundary ¯ 0 1.5 3Miles Figure Kneeland Fire Protection District 3 Sources: Boundaries - Humboldt County CDSD, Roads - US Census TIGER, Rivers - CA FRAP Date: July 17,2013 P IN E R ID G E R D Hoopa VFD TELESCOPE PEAK Willow Creek Fire Response Area D R R BAI Willow Creek FPD BR M A O N U N N A T N A IN ·|}þ Willow 299 Creek Fire Station China Gulch Willow Creek Fire ·|}þ CHEZUM RD Response Area 299 C TR O I U N N IT T Y Y ·|}þ 299 U NTAI N U T M O K O Willow Creek Fire S H Y L O O Response Area U B ·|}þ 299 FR TITLO W HILL ID A Y R ID G E So uth F ork Trinity R iver Blue Lake Fire Response Area S N HIGH PRAIRIE RD HUMBOLDT O W COUNTY C A M P R D GUY KERR RANCH RD FR ID A Y R ID G E District Out of District Kneeland Fire County Boundary ¯ Response Area SNO W C 0 1.25 2.5Miles AM P Figure Willow Creek Fire Protection District 4 Sources: Boundaries - Humboldt County CDSD, Roads - US Census TIGER, Rivers - CA FRAP Date: July 17,2013 3 SERVICE AGENCY PROFILES This chapter provides an overview of the three local agencies providing fire protection services in eastern Humboldt County. Included is a description of each agency’s organizational development, tables listing key service information, and maps of each agency’s jurisdictional and response area boundaries. 3.1 Blue Lake Fire Protection District The Blue Lake Fire Protection District (FPD) provides fire protection services to the City of Blue Lake and surrounding unincorporated area, including the eastern portion of the Glendale area, as well as other more sparsely developed areas on the north and south sides of the Mad River. The Blue Lake FPD is comprised of the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), which operates out of one fire station located at 111 First Avenue in Blue Lake. The jurisdictional boundary for the Blue Lake FPD is approximately 14 square miles in area with an estimated population of 2,370 residents and 1,075 total housing units. The non-district response area is more than 93 square miles with an estimated population of 254 and 131 total housing units.4 Figure 2 shows the Blue Lake FPD district boundaries and non-district response area, which extends east along Highway 299 to Redwood Creek Bridge, Redwood Valley north to Stover Ranch, Maple Creek Road and Snow Camp Road areas. Large facilities protected by the Blue Lake FPD include the Blue Lake Casino and Hotel, the Downtown commercial area, the Blue Lake Elementary School, the Blue Lake Industrial Park, and the mill and industrial area in Glendale. Within the non-district response area, private resource land is the dominant ownership pattern, with the majority of land owned and managed by the Green Diamond Resource Company. Rural residential parcels cluster along Highway 299, particularly in the Chezem Road area, and numerous in-holdings are scattered southeast of Korbel. Primary land uses include timber and livestock production. The Blue Lake FPD participates in the countywide mutual aid agreement, and has an automatic aid agreement with the Arcata FPD where both districts are dispatched to fires and other major emergency calls in Blue Lake and in the Valley West area of Arcata. The Arcata FPD is located west of the Blue Lake FPD, and the Fieldbrook VFD is located north of Glendale. Blue Lake Fire Protection District Contact and Service Information Ray Stonebarger, Fire Chief Contact Ryan Masterson, Assistant Chief Mailing Address PO Box 245, Blue Lake, California 95525 Phone (707)668-5765 E-mail blchief@suddenlinkmail.com Website bluelakefire.net 4 Demographic information obtained from 2010 Census block data and Humboldt County GIS parcel data. 10 Blue Lake Fire Protection District Contact and Service Information General Areas Blue Lake, Glendale, S.R. 299 Protected Fire Suppression, Rescue/Extrication, Hazardous Material Response, Services Provided Emergency Medical Services (First Responder/Basic Life Support), and Safety Inspections District District Area 14 square miles 2,370 Population Non-District Response Area 93 square miles 254 Response Area Population Automatic Aid Arcata FPD Governance and Operations The Blue Lake FPD was formed in 1952 and was subsequently reorganized under the provisions of the California Health and Safety Code in 1961. The Blue Lake FPD assumed responsibility for fire protection from the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), which was founded in 1911, shortly after a fire swept through the Blue Lake downtown business district and destroyed one full city block. The Blue Lake FPD is an independent, single-purpose special district authorized to provide fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services and any other services relating to the protection of lives and property pursuant to the Fire Protection District Law of 1987 (Division 12, Part 2.7 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 13800 et seq.), which supersedes prior fire protection district laws. The District has a five-member Board of Fire Commissioners that is elected by registered voters who live within the District. The District Board holds five meetings per year on the third Monday of January, March, May, September, and November at the Blue Lake Fire Department. Meetings are open to the public and meeting notices are posted at the Fire Department, City Hall, and Post Office in Blue Lake. Governance Governing Body Board of Fire Commissioners Randal Wheeler Johnson 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 Patrick Lynch 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 Board Members Wendy Collins 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 and Terms Michael Harvey 12/04/2009 - 12/06/2013 Kurt Kernen 12/04/2009 - 12/06/2013 Five meetings per year on the third Monday of January, March, Board Meetings May, September, and November Infrastructure, Facilities and Services The Blue Lake FPD has one fire station located in the center of town at 111 First Avenue in Blue Lake. The District’s apparatus includes: two type-1 engines, one type-3 engine, two water tenders, two command units, and one quick attack vehicle. The water tenders are over twenty years old and need to be replaced. The District replaces antiquated apparatus and equipment, as necessary, through grants and purchasing like (used) equipment. 11 The Blue Lake FPD currently has one fulltime employee, 21 volunteers, and two auxiliary members. The department continually recruits new members and averages between 20 and 25 volunteers. The Blue Lake FPD participates in various community events, including Annie and Mary Days and the Mad River Festival, to recruit new volunteers and to increase community awareness of fire safety. The department is headed by a chief, two assistant chiefs, three battalion chiefs, and four captains. Blue Lake firefighters have received wide-ranging training and typically meet twice a month for business meetings and four times a month for department drills on various topics such as apparatus and pump operations, fire fighting and medical skills. The volunteers are funded by community donations and fundraising, including an annual raffle. Facilities, Staffing and Equipment Station 111 First Avenue, Blue Lake Personnel 1 Paid / 21 Volunteer / 2 Auxiliary Incident: Training: Maintenance: Fund Raising: Volunteer Hours (2012) 1,702 1,118 n/a n/a Personal protective gear, self contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), emergency scene lights, a generator, two sets of jaws-of- Equipment life, three AED heart defibrillators, high pressure airbags, radios, BLS medical equipment, low-angle rope rescue gear, and firefighting equipment. Pump Tank Apparatus Classification: Year: Type: (gpm): (gal): Fire engine E-8511 2002 I 1500 800 Fire engine E-8512 1987 I 1250 500 Fire engine E-8533 1985 III 300 600 Water tender T-8561 1987 n/a 500 2,200 Water tender T-8566 1990 n/a 350 1,750 Command unit C-8500 2013 n/a n/a n/a Command unit U-8502 1987 n/a 110 100 Attack vehicle A-8546 2012 IV 300 300 Fire Protection Service Demand and Capacity The Blue Lake FPD responds to between 170 and 230 calls for service per year. Typically, more than half of such calls are medical in nature. Other calls such as vehicle accidents may also involve the delivery of emergency medical services. Fires of all types can comprise up to 20 percent of Blue Lake FPD calls for service. The department is dispatched by the CAL FIRE Command Center, located in Fortuna California. Calls for Service 2009 2010 2011 2012 Call Type Calls % Calls % Calls % Calls % 12 Structure Fire 6 3.5 9 4.8 20 9.0 13 5.8 Vegetation Fire 10 5.8 8 4.3 4 1.8 3 1.3 Other Fires 18 10.5 26 13.9 5 2.3 8 3.6 Medical 94 55 96 51.3 125 56.6 133 59.4 Vehicle Accident 6 3.5 24 12.8 13 5.9 14 6.3 Public Assist 29 17 14 7.5 51 23.1 45 20.1 Hazard Condition 8 4.7 10 5.3 3 1.4 8 3.6 Total Calls 171 100 187 100 221 100 224 100 Source: CAL FIRE-Fortuna Interagency Command Center, Humboldt County Fire Services Annual Reports The Blue Lake FPD has an Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification, or ISO PPC, rating (a rating used by insurance companies to determine fire insurance rates) of 5/8B. The ISO “5” is applied to areas within approximately 1,000 feet of fire hydrants and the “8B” is applied to areas beyond 1,000 feet of hydrants. The best ISO PPC is 1, which indicates that highest level of fire protection and the lowest is 10. According to ISO, the Class 8B is a PPC for communities that provide superior fire-protection services and fire alarm facilities but lack the water supply required for a PPC of Class 8 or better. To compensate for limited water supplies, many communities have improved their firefighting equipment, training, and management techniques, as well as their fire alarm systems. There are two local agencies within the boundaries of the Blue Lake FPD: the City of Blue Lake and the Fieldbrook-Glendale Community Services District (CSD). The City of Blue Lake provides most urban services within its boundaries and has installed and maintained fire hydrants where water lines are available. The Fieldbrook-Glendale CSD provides water services to residents in Glendale and provides fire protection services through the Fieldbrook Volunteer Fire Department to areas north of the Blue Lake FPD. In the non-district response areas served by the Blue Lake FPD, the District is required to shuttle water using its two water tenders. Budget The Blue Lake FPD’s primary sources of revenue are derived from property taxes, special taxes and funding from the Blue Lake Rancheria. Other funding sources include County Proposition 172 public safety sales taxes, grant funding, and community fundraising. The estimated revenue for the 2012-13 approved District budget is $238,715. Primary expenditures include employee salaries and benefits, insurance, communications, transportation, and equipment maintenance. Total expenditures for the fiscal year 2012-13 approved district budget is $212,861. Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Expenditures Salaries & Employee Benefits $ 103,011.00 Services & Supplies $ 72,850.00 Other Charges $ 3,000.00 Fixed Assets $ 34,000.00 13 Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Total Expenditures $ 212,861.00 Revenues Property Taxes $ 80,000.00 Special Tax (Measure M) $ 41,000.00 Non-Tax Revenues5 $ 117,715.00 Total Revenue $ 238,715.00 Total Reserves $ 451,051.00 Total Expenditures $ 212,861.00 Total District Budget $ 663,912.00 In March 2000, voters within the Blue Lake FPD approved a special tax to support the ongoing delivery of fire protection services and the replacement of fire apparatus and major equipment. The special tax generates approximately $41,000 per year and is apportioned to property on an annual basis. Since its inception, the special tax has remained at $9.00 per unit on a use-of property basis. A tax increase to account for inflation and increased service delivery costs would require a District election and two-thirds voter approval. In addition to the special tax which is charged to properties within the district boundaries, the Blue Lake FPD is considering contracting with a fee recovery company to recoup costs for responding to emergency calls outside the district boundaries. Currently, the Blue Lake FPD provides “goodwill” services to areas east along Highway 299, even though they are under no obligation to do so and receive no compensation for their service. Charging fees for emergency services would recoup direct costs, such as fuel, supplies, and personnel costs; indirect costs, such as significant wear and tear on apparatus due to road conditions and extended travel time, would continue to be absorbed by the District. This cost recovery program would help offset costs associated with providing fire protection services to areas outside the district. Furthermore, it would more equitably distribute the cost of fire protection services that are currently being funded through property owners within the district, but benefiting out of district residents. 5 Includes revenue interest, revenue from other governmental agencies, and revenue from the Blue Lake Rancheria. 14 3.2 Kneeland Fire Protection District Community fire protection in Kneeland is provided by the Kneeland FPD, which was formed in 1990 and is served by the Kneeland VFD. The Kneeland FPD is a small fire department located in a relatively remote rural area. The District largely contains residential development and private timberland, with the majority of rural homesteads and neighborhoods located along Kneeland Road and densely clustered along Greenwood Heights Drive. Other prominent features include the Kneeland Elementary School and the Kneeland Airport, which is also used by CAL FIRE as a heliport station during the wildfire season. The Kneeland FPD provides fire protection services in and outside of the district. The district boundary is approximately 38 square miles in area, whereas the out of district response area is 92 square miles, extending east and south of the District along Butler Valley Road, Maple Creek Road, Kneeland Road, and Showers Pass Road (see figure 3). Although outside its district boundaries, the Kneeland FPD continues to provide service because there is no other local agency responsible for fire protection, first responder medical aid, and vehicle accident response services. This is particularly true for the community of Maple Creek, who relies on the goodwill service of the Kneeland FPD since the closure of the Maple Creek Volunteer Fire Company in 2010. The town of Kneeland is a rural community that has experienced moderate levels of development in recent years. Based on the 2010 Census, the estimated population of the Kneeland FPD is 712 residents and 417 total housing units.6 The Kneeland FPD estimates the population within the district boundaries to be closer to 1,600 persons. The Census is known to have undercounted the population in rural areas of Humboldt County. Add to this total the housing units that are back in the hills, off the grid, and not on county roads that were missed in the Census. Within the non-district response area, the estimated population using the 2010 Census is 84 residents and 57 total housing units. Much of the area surrounding the District is not served by a local fire agency. The Kneeland FPD is bordered on the west by the much larger Humboldt No. 1 FPD, which has operationally combined with the Eureka Fire Department as “Humboldt Bay Fire”. CAL FIRE has a station in Bridgeville staffed during the fire season, and will aid in community fire protection during the winter off season from their station in Trinidad. The Kneeland FPD has formal mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE, Humboldt Bay Fire, Blue Lake FPD, and Arcata FPD for giving and receiving additional assistance. Kneeland Fire Protection District Contact and Service Information Rick Hardin, Fire Chief Contact Bryson Rasmussen, Assistant Chief Mailing Address 6201 Greenwood Heights Drive, Kneeland, CA 95549 Phone (707) 442-3252 (message phone) E-mail board@kneelandfire.org Website www.kneelandfire.org General Areas Kneeland, Butler Valley, Maple Creek, Fickle Hill Protected Services Provided Fire Suppression, Rescue/Extrication, and Emergency Medical 6 Demographic information obtained from 2010 Census block data and Humboldt County GIS parcel data. 15 Kneeland Fire Protection District Contact and Service Information Services (First Responder/Basic Life Support) District District Area 38 square miles 712 Population Response Area Non-District Area 92 square miles 84 Population Mutual Aid CAL FIRE, Humboldt Bay Fire, Blue Lake FPD, and Arcata FPD Governance and Operations The Kneeland FPD was formed on August 11, 1990, pursuant to Fire Protection District Law of 1987 (Division 12, Part 2.7 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 13800 et seq.). Local registered voters petitioned LAFCo to formalize the fire protection services provided by the Kneeland VFD, which was founded in 1982. Following a successful election in June of 1990, voters approved a special assessment to be imposed on property within the district boundaries. Because the Kneeland FPD was formed after the passage of Proposition 13, the district was not eligible to share in the one percent base property tax shared by other fire protection districts established before the proposition was passed. The Kneeland FPD is an independent, Kneeland Fire Objectives single-purpose special district with a To provide emergency medical response, MVA five-member Board of Directors. Board o Response and fire suppression services 24-7 members, which must reside within To supplement the efficiency as first responder of district boundaries, are elected for four- o wildland fire response and CAL FIRE year terms and oversee district needs To advocate for public safety and community fire and services, along with budget issues o prevention education at monthly board meetings. Board To provide a venue for community meetings, meetings are held on the third o activities and events Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. To preserve the history of the Kneeland Volunteer at the Kneeland Elementary School, o Fire Department 9513 Kneeland Road. Governance Governing Body Board of Directors Mike Davis, President 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 Steve Cunningham, Vice President 12/04/2009 - 12/06/2013 Board Members Elizabeth (Betsy) Watson 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 and Terms Jiki Betts, Treasurer 12/02/2011 - 12/06/2013 Greta Turney 12/04/2009 - 12/06/2013 Third Wednesday each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Kneeland Board Meetings Elementary School Infrastructure, Facilities and Services The Kneeland VFD has ten volunteer firefighters including four certified EMT-1, two certified wildland firefighters, one chief, one assistant chief, and one captain. Since the District is staffed by volunteers drawn from a small population base, recruitment and retention of this volunteer firefighting force is an ongoing challenge. 16 The Department’s apparatus includes one 800 gallon type-1 engine, one 300 gallon type-4 quick attack and Rescue engine, and one 2,200 gallon water tender. According to the District, all vehicles are over 25 years old and would cost between $20,000 to $40,000 to replace each for like (used) equipment. Replacing the water tender is a priority for the District. The Kneeland FPD has invested over $140,000 in new rescue, medical and support equipment including personal protective gear, breathing apparatus (SCBA’s), low angle over the side rescue gear, AED heart defibrillator, and a recently donated Jaws of Life and firefighting equipment. The members of the Kneeland VFD typically meet two or three times per month for department training on various topics such as apparatus and pump operations, fire fighting and medical skills. In addition, all firefighters are trained annually in structure firefighting, low angle rescue, BLS/CPR-PRO/AED, Jaws of Life vehicle forcible entry, and basic wildland fire response. New firefighters are required to complete the Humboldt Regional Occupational Program (HROP) Volunteer Firefighter Academy training and the EMT-1 program within the first two years. The Kneeland FPD is in the process of constructing a new fire station in the northern part of the District at 6201 Greenwood Heights Drive. Currently, the District maintains a wood structure station garage and an apparatus parking cover to house fire equipment and apparatus. Once constructed, the new fire station will operate as a community center for the local area, a limited community disaster recovery center in the case of a major disaster, and as a volunteer firefighter recruitment and training center for the District. The Kneeland FPD supports fire prevention and safety education through collaboration with the Kneeland Elementary School. It is the goal of the Kneeland FPD to sponsor a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program7, conducted through the Regional Training Institute, to provide area residents training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The District encourages Firewise programs, 150 foot defensible space, and periodic residential mapping. Facilities, Staffing and Equipment Station 6201 Greenwood Heights Drive, Kneeland Personnel 0 Paid / 10 Volunteer / 6 Auxiliary Incident: Training: Maintenance: Fund Raising: Volunteer Hours (2012) 336 605 92 94 Personal protective gear, breathing apparatus (SCBA’s), low angle Equipment over the side rescue gear, AED heart defibrillator, and firefighting equipment Pump Tank Apparatus Classification: Year: Type: (gpm): (gal): Fire engine E-8911 1983 I 1,000 800 Water tender T-8962 1983 n/a 350 2,200 Attack vehicle A-8946 1986 IV 450 300 7 Regional Training Institute Website: www.humboldt.edu/rti/ 17 Fire Protection Service Demand and Capacity In 2012 Kneeland FPD responded to 30 emergency response calls for the year. The District responds to both structural and wildland fires, as well as medical emergencies in and outside of the District. Typically, two-thirds of such calls are vehicle accidents or medical in nature. Fires of all types can comprise up to 30 percent of Kneeland FPD calls for service. Estimated response times within the District vary from three to five (3-5) minutes in areas near the apparatus dispatch sites, to over thirty (30) minutes in outlying areas of the District. Since the non-district response area extends twenty to thirty miles along remote roads leading east and southeast from the District, response times to those areas will often be well in excess of thirty minutes. While response times can vary, there are no adjacent local agencies that can provide year-round fire protection and first responder services to residents within the response area. The town of Kneeland is not served by a community service district, so all properties within the district boundaries use on-site water and septic systems. The Kneeland FPD relies on a number of water tanks located throughout the community that are available for fire protection water. Also, water hydrants at Freshwater Park and Freshwater School are used to replenish their fire apparatus, when necessary. Currently, the Kneeland FPD has an ISO PPC rating of 9-10. Due to the remoteness of the area, the Kneeland FPD is often the first to respond to wildfires. The District has a mutual aid agreement with CAL FIRE for wildland fire responses. While CAL FIRE is responsible for wildland fires within State Responsibility Areas, which covers the Kneeland FPD and response area, CAL FIRE response can average 45 minutes to over an hour during the fire season. In these instances, Kneeland firefighters prioritize the protection of lives and structures while doing what they can to address the fire until assistance from CAL FIRE arrives. Calls for Service 2009 2010 2011 2012 Call Type Calls % Calls % Calls % Calls % Structure Fire 3 12.5 1 5.3 0 0 0 0.0 Vegetation Fire 3 12.5 2 10.5 1 7.1 0 0.0 Other Fires 3 12.5 3 15.8 0 0 5 16.7 Medical 4 16.7 11 57.9 6 42.9 14 46.7 Vehicle Accident 5 20.8 1 5.3 3 21.4 10 33.3 Public Assist/Other 3 12.5 0 0 1 7.1 1 3.3 Hazard Condition 3 12.5 1 5.3 3 21.4 0 0.0 Total Calls 24 100 19 100 14 100 30 100 Source: CAL FIRE-Fortuna Interagency Command Center, Humboldt County Fire Services Annual Reports Budget The Kneeland FPD is primarily funded through revenue collected from a special assessment that generates approximately $15,000 per year. The assessment has not been increased since its inception in 1990; an assessment increase to account for inflation, a growing population, and increased service delivery costs would require the preparation of an engineer’s report, notice to 18 property owners, and a protest hearing. A special assessment is approved if weighted protest ballots equaling 50 percent or less of total benefit/value of the assessment are received. Because the Kneeland FPD was formed after the passage of Proposition 13, the District is not eligible to receive an allocation of the one-percent base property tax rate. The District receives a small portion of Proposition 172 public safety sales tax revenue and reimbursement from CAL FIRE when responding to wildland fires. The District relies on limited grants and a number of annual fundraisers and donations from the community to supplement increasing costs associated with insurance, equipment replacement, and training costs. Recently in the 2013- 2014 Chiefs Operational Budget, a 3-5 year capital investment was recommended to replace the aging mini-pumper and water tender. The Kneeland FPD will continue to seek state and federal grants to assist with apparatus replacement. Financial Information Special assessments, a portion of County Proposition 172 public Funding safety sales tax revenue, CAL FIRE reimbursements, grants and donations Budget Revenues (Actual) Expenses (Actual) FY 2008-09 $24,149 $13,328 FY 2009-10 $26,605 $27,137 FY 2010-11 $26,397 $25,599 Currently, the Kneeland FPD provides goodwill services to areas east and south of the district, even though they are under no obligation to do so and receive no compensation for their service. The Kneeland FPD has experienced increased fuel costs and apparatus maintenance costs associated with responding to out of district calls, which result in significant wear and tear on apparatus due to road conditions and extended travel time. According to the District, the department absorbed a 300 percent increase in maintenance costs alone from 2010-2012. The District Board is considering options to generate more revenue to continue to support the delivery of fire protection services and the replacement of fire apparatus and major equipment. One option that has been considered is to charge service fees for emergency calls. The District could contract with a fee recovery company to recoup direct costs, such as fuel, supplies, and personnel costs; however, indirect costs, such as significant wear and tear on apparatus due to road conditions and extended travel time, would continue to be absorbed by the District. This cost recovery program would help offset costs associated with providing fire protection services to areas outside the district. Furthermore, it would more equitably distribute the cost of fire protection services that are currently being funded through property owners within the district, but benefiting out of district residents. Another option considered by the District is to expand the Kneeland FPD boundary to include the community of Maple Creek and other areas receiving goodwill service from the District. Annexation would enable the District to extend its current special assessment into the annexation area from which the District can rely upon into the future and improve service delivery. Initial annexation estimates for District boundary expansion to include the full response area indicate that the District could generate up to $9,750, through its previously authorized special tax that would be extended to the newly annexed properties. This option would require close coordination with LAFCo to complete a district annexation process. The District may also need to explore other revenue generating strategies such as an increase to its existing special assessment. 19 3.3 Willow Creek Fire Protection District The Willow Creek FPD was formed in 1959 and provides fire protection services to the unincorporated community of Willow Creek, through the Willow Creek VFD. Willow Creek is an active tourist destination in the summer, with many second homes and visitors along the Trinity River. There are two main transportation routes, including Highway 299, which leads southeast towards Weaverville or west towards Arcata, and Highway 96, which follows the Trinity River north into Hoopa. These primary roads intersect in the town of Willow Creek, about 35 miles from the Pacific coast. The jurisdictional boundary of the Willow Creek FPD is approximately 6.6 square miles in area with an estimated population of 1,737 residents and 1,111 total housing units. The non-district response area is more than 57 square miles with an estimated population of 447 residents and 292 total housing units.8 Figure 4 shows the Willow Creek FPD district boundaries and non-district response area, which extends west along Highway 299 to Lord Ellis Summit, east to Salyer in Trinity County, and north to Hoopa. Willow Creek is surrounded by the Six Rivers National Forest, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The distribution of private and public lands within the Willow Creek FPD response area is somewhat like a checkerboard, with private in-holdings interspersed throughout Forest Service land. Private ownerships include residential, timberland, and ranchlands. The area also supports a few small produce and specialty farms, as well as some local vineyards. Dominant land uses include recreation, timber, fisheries, wildlife habitat, and grazing.9 Willow Creek Fire Protection District Contact and Service Information Nathan Falk, Fire Chief Contact Timothy La Londe, Assistant Chief Mailing Address PO Box 51, Willow Creek, CA 95573 Phone (530) 629-2229 Fax (530) 629-1979 E-mail willowcreekvfd@gmail.com General Areas Willow Creek Protected S.R. 299 Structural and wildland fire suppression, emergency medical Services Provided services and rescue District Area 6.6 square miles District Population 1,737 Non-District Response Area 57 square miles 447 Response Area Population Mutual Aid CAL FIRE, USFS, Blue Lake FPD and Hoopa VFD Automatic Aid Salyer VFD and Hawkins Bar VFD (both in Trinity County) There is excellent coordination and collaboration between various fire protection groups surrounding Willow Creek. Federal, state, and local agencies have a cooperative agreement 8 Demographic information obtained from 2010 Census block data and Humboldt County GIS parcel data. 9 Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Chapter IV.7 Trinity Planning Unit Action Plan. 20 for exchanged protection responsibility in specific areas. The Willow Creek FPD has mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE, USFS, Blue Lake FPD, and Hoopa VFD. The District also has automatic aid agreements with Salyer VFD and Hawkins Bar VFD in Trinity County. Governance and Operations The Willow Creek FPD was formed on January 27, 1959 by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (Resolution No. 1226), following a successful special election. The Willow Creek FPD assumed responsibility for fire protection from the Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), which was founded in 1957, shortly after two major fires in the downtown business area. The Willow Creek FPD is an independent, single-purpose special district authorized to provide fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services and any other services relating to the protection of lives and property pursuant to the Fire Protection District Law of 1987 (Division 12, Part 2.7 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 13800 et seq.), which supersedes prior fire protection district laws. The Willow Creek VFD is a separate non-profit corporation that delivers fire protection services on behalf of the Willow Creek FPD. The District has a five-member Board of Directors that is elected by registered voters who live within the District. All members of the Fire Department and the Board of Directors are volunteers. The Board of Directors employs a Clerk of the Board. The District Board meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire Hall in Willow Creek. Meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted at the fire department, public library, Ray’s Market, and Dream Quest. The District also publishes a newsletter to distribute information to the public. Governance Governing Body Board of Directors Ed Duggan, Chair 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 Vacant 12/02/2011 - 12/04/2015 Board Members and Rick Bollmann 12/02/2011 - 12/06/2013 Terms Eric Nelson 12/02/2011 - 12/06/2013 Mary Roberts 12/04/2009 - 12/06/2013 Board Meetings Second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire Hall Infrastructure, Facilities and Services The Willow Creek FPD has one fire station located at 51 Willow Road in Willow Creek, which once housed the original fire house built in 1957. Plans for a second fire station on the east side of the Trinity River near the golf course are still in the design phase; a second station would ensure emergency response in the case of unforeseen emergencies (floods, earthquakes) that may obstruct travel to residences across the Trinity River. The District’s apparatus includes: two type-2 engines, a type-6 wildland truck, one rescue truck, and one water tender. The District has direct access to an appropriate fire hydrant system that is maintained by the Willow Creek Community Services District. The District maintains an ISO PPC rating of 5/9 for residences within five miles of the fire station and within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant or water source. The Willow Creek VFD currently has 22 volunteers, which consists of a chief, an assistant chief, two captains, and 18 firefighters. Providing emergency response to calls during business hours can be a challenge for the Willow Creek VFD, as volunteers often have jobs or children to attend to during the day. However, the Department continually recruits and maintains high volunteer numbers to account for other obligations their members may have. 21 The Willow Creek VFD participates in various programs to increase community awareness of fire safety. The Department conducts a fire prevention program at Trinity Valley Elementary School and participates in the annual Willow Creek Bigfoot Days celebration. Since 2010, the Department has collaborated with members of the local community to help make Willow Creek a nationally recognized Firewise Community, and assists with the implementation of the 10 community’s Firewise Action Plan. Members of the Willow Creek VFD also participate in the Willow Creek Fire Safe Council (FSC), which developed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan in 2010. Facilities, Staffing and Equipment 51 Willow Road, Willow Creek; second station being planned near Station the Golf Course Personnel 0 Paid / 22 Volunteer / 0 Auxiliary Volunteers include EMTs, First Responders, Class B Drivers, and Training Wildland Certified Firefighters Incident: Training: Maintenance: Fund Raising: Volunteer Hours (2010) 1,938 1,667 250 231 Personal protective gear, portable breathing apparatus (SCBA-RIC rescue kit), 5kw generators with scene lights, Jaws-of-Life, AED heart Equipment defibrillator, airbags, remote monitor, lifting jacks, compressed-air foam system (CAFS), medical and high angle rescue gear, and firefighting equipment Pump Tank Apparatus Classification: Year: Type: (gpm): (gal): Fire engine E-9224 1988 II 500 Fire engine E-9226 2004 II 500 500 Attack vehicle A-9243 2012 VI 120 400 Water tender WT-9257 2001 n/a 500 3,000 Rescue vehicle R-9271 1997 n/a Fire Protection Service Demand and Capacity The Willow Creek FPD averages between 150 and 200 calls for service per year. The Department responds to both structural and wildland fires, as well as medical emergencies in and outside of the District. The call volume increases in the summertime months, with an influx of tourism and recreation activities. Typically, 50 percent of total calls are medical in nature. Other calls such as vehicle accidents, which comprise up to 30 percent of total calls, may also involve the delivery of emergency medical services. Fires of all types can comprise up to approximately 20 percent of Willow Creek FPD calls for service. 10 2012 Humboldt County Fire Services Annual Report, Fifth District. 22 Calls for Service 2009 2010 2011 2012 Call Type Calls % Calls % Calls % Calls % Structure Fire 4 2.2 5 2.6 7 4.8 4 2.3 Vegetation Fire 5 2.8 6 3.2 3 2 16 9.3 Other Fires 17 9.5 24 12.6 21 14.3 15 8.7 Medical 102 57 104 54.7 62 42.2 79 45.9 Vehicle Accident 38 21.2 30 15.8 43 29.3 36 20.9 Public Assist/Other 9 5 16 8.4 11 7.5 13 7.6 Hazard Condition 4 2.2 5 2.6 0 0 9 5.2 Total Calls 179 100 190 100 147 100 172 100 Response Standards and Performance Class 5/9 (fire department within five miles of a residence, and ISO PPC Rating within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant) % within 3 min: 10% % within 5 min: 20% District Response Times % within 10 min: 50% % within 15+ min: 20% Budget The Willow Creek FPD is funded through revenue collected from property taxes, a special assessment on property, and out of district service fees11 that allows it to replace antiquated apparatus as necessary. At present, the Willow Creek FPD does not solicit grants but does approve grants solicited by the Willow Creek VFD and underwrites a percentage of the grant requirements. The District Board maintains an operating budget that allows for continued growth, albeit small, in the beginning fund balance. However, increasing costs associated with insurance, equipment replacement, and training are significant financial constraints for the Willow Creek FPD. Fundraising activities, including the annual crab and spaghetti feed at Trinity Valley Elementary School, are carried out separately by the Willow Creek VFD to improve fire protection services. Financial Information Property taxes, special assessments, out of district fees, and a Funding portion of County Proposition 172 public safety sales tax revenue Budget Revenues (Actual) Expenses (Actual) FY 2009-10 $143,560 $119,938 FY 2010-11 $147,066 $124,441 FY 2011-12 $143,988 $162,751 11 The Willow Creek FPD has an adopted fee schedule to recoup costs for services provided outside of the District; fees are typically billed to insurance companies for medical aid/vehicle accident calls for service. 23 3.4 Other Fire Agencies Federal, state, and tribal agencies providing wildland fire protection in the East County Region include: the US Forest Service (USFS) – Six Rivers National Forest, Hoopa Wildland Fire Department, and CAL FIRE. The resources provided by these agencies are primarily funded for wildfire suppression operations in the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA). These agencies have the greatest number of resources available during fire season, which spans from late May/early June through early October. In many cases, local fire departments are the first unit on scene or are asked to assist in fire suppression by the responsible agency. However, local fire departments do not typically have the resources to manage a large wildfire incident, nor is wildfire protection a primary responsibility of most local departments. In addition to CAL FIRE providing wildland fire protection services, CAL FIRE also provides dispatch services to the majority of local fire departments in Humboldt County – including the Blue Lake, Kneeland, and Willow Creek FPDs – through the Fortuna Interagency Command Center (FICC), also known as the dispatch center. The FICC is located in Fortuna on the grounds of the CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit Administrative Headquarters. Personnel from CAL FIRE and the USFS jointly staff the FICC. CAL FIRE staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 24 4 SERVICE CHARACTERISTICS AND OPPORTUNITIES Fire protection service providers operate with limited resources and demonstrate a strong need for additional funding. Although local fire departments have demonstrated that they are very resourceful—using volunteers, surplus and donated equipment, and by working cooperatively to deliver services—the lack of sustainable funding levels results in disparities in levels of fire protection available. This chapter provides a summary of critical fire service considerations and recent planning efforts intended to improve fire protection services in Humboldt County. This chapter largely references information included in the Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2013) and other fire planning efforts conducted by Humboldt County Planning staff. 4.1 Training12 The lack of essential training and equipment, and difficulty in recruiting volunteers are issues throughout the county. The development of fire and emergency services training facilities is critical to the delivery of emergency services. Humboldt County firefighters have varying and sometimes inadequate levels of training. Recognizing that approximately 92% of Humboldt County firefighters are volunteers—many of whom live in outlying areas—multiple and/or mobile training facilities may be required to support countywide training programs. Providing all firefighters with necessary training will result in a more confident, capable, and reliable fire- fighting force prepared to deliver improved service to the citizens of the county. Fire departments report that it is sometimes impossible to attract and retain adequate numbers of qualified volunteers. Addressing these fire protection resource-training issues is essential to local firefighters in meeting an established LOS standard. 4.2 Response Times13 Response times are largely dependent on two factors, the ability of appropriate fire personnel to reach the equipment at the fire station and the time it takes appropriate fire personnel and equipment to reach the scene of the incident. Fire station locations are a critical factor, but given response requirements (number of staff per apparatus, and number of staff to enter a building) the ability to get the appropriate number of personnel to the scene can be just as important. One trend that has been occurring is that more volunteers are working in areas other than the ones they serve. This means they are not available to respond to calls during working hours. This trend has been identified as a significant issue with both the Blue Lake and Willow Creek FPDs. 4.3 Level of Service14 There is a significant difference between the Level of Service (LOS) available to residents in urban areas of the county (e.g. Eureka), and residents living in more remote rural areas. Local fire 12 Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, Part III. Countywide Action Plan 13 Ibid 14 Ibid 25 departments use formal and informal mutual-aid and automatic-aid agreements to augment provided levels of protection, yet LOS differences between communities persist. The LOS standard is important for the following reasons: 1) an established standard will improve the ability of real estate professionals, public safety personnel, and government officials to inform landowners and residents of the available level of fire protection; 2) it will support fire department grant requests to local, state, and federal funding sources for purchase of apparatus, equipment, and training in order to meet standards; and 3) it will allow local governments to effectively plan for municipal service delivery and population growth. The Humboldt County Fire Chief’s Association has been working to develop level of service standards or criteria based on National Fire Protection Association 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Departments. The standards will need to be tiered, acknowledging that there are different expectations and capacities in rural, suburban, and urban environments. It has been determined that training level standards are the most critical focus area to begin this effort. 4.4 New Development Outside Boundaries15 The issue of development occurring outside district boundaries has impacted local fire districts that continue to provide services without being reimbursed. A standard CAL FIRE comment (Fire Safe, State Responsibility Area No. 6) to CEQA documents addresses the issue of areas outside fire district boundaries: CAL FIRE does not support development in areas where there is no local agency fire service for structure fires and emergency medical response. Fire services should be extended into service gap areas as a condition of development. New development can adversely impact existing fire services. Careful consideration must be given where development may overload the local fire service’s ability to respond. As part of the proposed Community Infrastructure and Services Element of the Humboldt County General Plan Update, two standards were prepared by representatives of the Humboldt Fire Safe Council, the Humboldt County Fire Chief’s Association, and County Planning staff to address issues relating to sustainable funding levels and the local fire service’s ability to respond to development outside district boundaries. These standards were supported by a straw vote by the Board of Supervisors and are expected to be implemented subsequent to General Plan adoption. IS-S4. Subdivisions Outside of Fire District Boundaries. Subdivisions outside of fire district boundaries shall be conditioned to: 1. Annex to or form a fire-related district or a county service area and provide funding to ensure that the district has adequate capacity to provide services, or 2. If 1 is not feasible, establish an adequate ongoing funding source and execute a fire protection agreement with an appropriate local fire service provider with LAFCo approval, as appropriate, or 3. Record acknowledgment of no available emergency response and fire suppression services and implement required mitigations. 15 John Miller, Humboldt County Planning and Building Department 26 IS-S5. Other Development Outside of Fire District Boundaries. New industrial, commercial, and residential development, excluding subdivisions pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act, outside of fire district boundaries shall be responsible prior to permit approval, to obtain from an appropriate local fire service provider written acknowledgement of the available emergency response and fire suppression services and recommended mitigations. If written acknowledgement indicates that no service is available or no acknowledgement is received, the following shall apply: For building permits a note shall be placed on the permit indicating that no o emergency response and fire suppression services are available. For discretionary permits, findings shall be made that no service is available and the o project shall be conditioned to record acknowledgment of no available emergency response and fire suppression services. These new standards encourage and support the expansion of existing special district boundaries, or the formation of County Service Areas with agreements to fund contract fire services, as a means to provide fire protection services to [new development] areas outside of fire district boundaries [IS-P18]. 4.5 Annexation Annexation, or the expansion of an agency’s jurisdictional boundary, is an effective way to address the problem of districts providing services outside their jurisdictional boundaries without a sustainable revenue source. Annexation enables districts to extend its current funding sources (property taxes and special assessments) into the annexation area from which the fire district can rely upon into the future and improve service delivery. In addition, the new district boundaries would clearly define service responsibilities for the benefit of neighboring fire service providers, land use authorities, the public and other service providers. Annexations can be initiated by a district or a landowner proposing development. LAFCo annexation processing and costs would be made the responsibility of the applicant. The environmental effects of annexation must be analyzed and the analysis should include document compliance with all of the applicable state and local LAFCo statutes and policies. It should be noted that LAFCos in California have approved fire district annexations of areas that currently receive out of district fire protection service provided by a fire district with the use of CEQA exemptions. Annexations to fire protection districts that have the consent of all landowners could occur without a LAFCo hearing (Government Code Section 56663). This reduces the cost and time involved in an annexation process. Regardless of hearing, a LAFCo change in organization application must be prepared, including a plan for service and possibly a modified Municipal Service Review. The LAFCo Executive Officer evaluates the application based on the required state statutes and local policy criteria to make the required findings. There are also State Board of Equalization costs associated with changes in tax rate areas that are mapped for districts receiving property taxes. Depending upon the estimated amount of property tax revenue that would be received as part of the annexation, the annexing fire protection district would likely require that its existing special tax or special assessment be applied to the subdivision or that a new tax or assessment be 27 approved by the property owners or registered voters of the subdivision. The establishment of a new tax or assessment would involve the following: o A special tax requires that a resolution or ordinance be adopted that finds a reasonable relationship between the tax and the service to be provided and specifying the type of tax, the tax rate to be levied, and the method of collection. Special taxes must be approved by a two-thirds majority of voters casting ballots. o A special assessment requires the preparation of an engineer’s report that identifies the area subject to the assessment, the special benefit that would be received by property, a cost estimate, and a demonstration that the cost of the special benefit is spread to property in proportion to the benefit received. Notice to property owners is given that includes a protest ballots and that date of a hearing scheduled to allow protest ballots to be counted. A special assessment is approved if weighted protest ballots equaling 50 percent or less of total benefit/value of the assessment are received. 4.6 District Formation The formation of a new fire protection district is appropriate for formalizing the services of a volunteer fire company, but is not likely the most appropriate way to provide sustainable revenue to ensure fire protection for new development. However, the formation of a County Service Area (similar to CSA No. 4 in the Trinidad area) that involves a contract for service with a neighboring fire protection district or CAL FIRE could be a feasible way to accomplish this objective.16 The formation of a CSA would involve approval by LAFCo, and if the area is inhabited, an election would need to be held. However, because CSAs are dependent special districts where the Board of Supervisors is the district board of directors, they are more easily formed than independent special districts. Like annexations, CSAs that have the consent of all land owners can occur without a hearing and can result in cost savings. The process would be similar to the process described above for an annexation. A CSA would not receive property tax revenue and would therefore not trigger the need and cost for BOE mapping. As described in the annexation discussion above, a new tax or assessment approved by the property owners or registered voters of the subdivision would be required to provide sustainable fire protection services through the CSA, which would involve time and expense. In addition, a Mello Roos Community Facilities District could be formed by the County and would simplify the process of establishing a special tax. Many other California counties use CSAs to provide fire protection services in the unincorporated area. Shasta County, for example, established CSA #1/Shasta County Fire Department (SCFD), which provides fire protection to all areas of the county outside existing fire protections districts and cities providing fire protection. The SCFD contracts with CAL FIRE to provide all department administration and operations functions. In addition, the SCFD supports 17 volunteer fire companies by providing oversight, administrative support, training, maintenance, funding, and dispatching.17 16 It is important to note that annexation to CSA No. 4 may be feasible, regardless of the location. The special assessment revenue generated within the annexation area could be directed to support the services of the closest fire department under an agreement with the County/CSA No. 4. 17 Humboldt County Master Fire Protection Plan, Appendix A, Financing 28 5 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS This chapter addresses the requirements of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (California Government Code Section 56430). As part of the municipal service review process, LAFCo is required to make written statements of determinations in each of the categories listed below. A) Growth and population projections for the affected area Purpose: To evaluate service needs based upon existing and anticipated growth patterns and population projections. B) The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities18 within or contiguous to the sphere Purpose: To identify communities that lack basic services and may benefit being included within the District’s service area in the future. C) Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere Purpose: To evaluate the adequacy of public facilities and services in terms of available resources, capacity to deliver services, and the condition of facilities. D) Financial ability of agencies to provide services Purpose: To evaluate a jurisdiction’s capacity to finance needed improvements and services. E) Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities Purpose: To evaluate the opportunities for a jurisdiction to share facilities and resources to develop more efficient service delivery systems. F) Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies Purpose: To evaluate the internal organizational structure of the jurisdiction and to consider the advantages and disadvantages of various government structures to provide public services. G) Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy Add 18 A disadvantaged unincorporated community is defined as any area with 12 or more registered voters where the annual median household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income (pursuant to Government Code Section 56033.5 and Water Code Section 79505.5). 29 5.1 Blue Lake Fire Protection District Growth and population projections for the affected area There are approximately 2,370 residents living in 1,075 housing units within the Blue Lake FPD boundaries. This total includes the 1,253 residents and of 572 housing units within the Blue Lake City limits. The out of district response area, which largely consists of resource land and rural residential land, contains approximately 254 people and 131 housing units. Humboldt County has grown at an average annual growth rate of 0.6 percent per year over the last ten to 12 years. During the same period, the City of Blue Lake grew at an average annual growth rate of 1.0 percent. Data is not readily available for the portion of the existing District outside Blue Lake, but would likely be similar to existing countywide rates. Using the growth rate of 1.0 percent per year, the population within the district boundaries would likely increase by approximately 400 residents by the year 2030, or an increase of 20 to 25 new residents per year. Therefore, the demand for fire protection services within the district is not expected to change significantly over the next 20 years. However, as population increases in the future additional volunteers will be required to maintain the service capacity of the District. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere The Blue Lake FPD protects the City of Blue Lake and the surrounding unincorporated areas, the eastern 75 percent of the Glendale area, as well as other more sparsely developed areas on the north and south sides of the Mad River. While the unincorporated areas surrounding the City of Blue Lake may qualify as “disadvantaged unincorporated communities”, there exists fire protection facilities and water infrastructure in most areas to adequately provide fire protection services within the District boundaries. In addition, the Blue Lake FPD is equipped to provide fire protection services in areas that lack water infrastructure; therefore, there are no developed areas within the district that do not receive services. Considering the fire protection capabilities of the Blue Lake FPD, including their effective mutual and automatic aid agreements with neighboring agencies and the fact that they are providing good-will services to areas outside their district boundaries, there exists no disadvantaged unincorporated communities that are not already receiving some level of fire protection services. Present and planned capacity of public facilities Currently, the Blue Lake FPD has adequate infrastructure to serve the existing population and service demand. The Blue Lake FPD’s fire station, engines, and other utility vehicles are all in operable condition. There is a need to replace the District’s water tenders, which are in excess of 20 years old. The Blue Lake FPD is funded through revenue collected from property taxes, a special tax on property, grants and donations, which allows it to replace antiquated apparatus as necessary. Financial ability of agencies to provide services The Blue Lake FPD’s primary sources of revenue are derived from property taxes, special taxes, County Proposition 172 public safety sales taxes, grant funding, and community fundraising. The estimated revenue for the 2012-13 approved District budget is $238,715. The existing special tax generates approximately $40,000 per year and has remained at $9.00 per unit on a use-of- property basis since its inception in 2000. Increasing the special tax rate to account for inflation and increased service delivery costs, such as equipment replacement and training, would require a District election and two-thirds voter approval. Furthermore, the District is considering contracting with a fee recovery company to recoup costs for responding to emergency calls outside the district boundaries. 30 Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities The Blue Lake FPD conducts all of its business, meetings and training from a single facility. Nearby fire service providers include the Arcata FPD and the Fieldbrook-Glendale CSD. The District is a member of the countywide mutual aid agreement and has an automatic aid agreement with the Arcata FPD. There are likely only limited opportunities for expanded facility and service sharing agreements. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies The Blue Lake FPD provides adequate and reliable fire protection services to the community. The District Board holds five meetings per year that are open to the public and comply with the provisions of the Brown Act. The District maintains modest reserves and has enough revenues to sustain the District at its current capacity. Like all volunteer departments, the Blue Lake FPD struggles with recruitment of volunteers. However, the District has been able to improve administrative and operational capacity through the full-time chief position, due in part to funding support from the Blue Lake Rancheria. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy Currently, the Blue Lake FPD is providing goodwill services to out of district calls for service. Expanding the jurisdictional boundary of the district would formalize the fire protection services currently being provided beyond district boundaries. A sphere of influence expansion to match the out of district response area is recommended in order to support future boundary expansion. 31 5.2 Kneeland Fire Protection District Growth and population projections for the affected area Based on 2010 Census Block data, the estimated population of the Kneeland FPD is 712 residents and 417 total housing units. Department personnel indicate that new construction and population increases in the last decade have significantly increased the demand for fire protection services. In addition, the recent closure of the Maple Creek Volunteer Fire Company has resulted in increased responsibilities for the District. The Kneeland FPD estimates the population within the district boundaries to be closer to 1,600 persons. The Census is known to have undercounted the population in rural areas of Humboldt County. The out of district response area, which largely consists of resource land and rural residential land, contains approximately 84 residents and 57 total housing units. Humboldt County has grown at an average annual growth rate of 0.6 percent per year over the last ten to 12 years. Using a conservative growth rate of 1.0 percent per year, the population within the district boundaries would likely increase by 120 residents by the year 2030, or an increase of seven to ten new residents per year. Therefore, the demand for fire protection services within the district is not expected to change significantly over the next 20 years. However, as population increases in the future additional volunteers will be required to maintain the service capacity of the District. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere The Kneeland FPD protects the community of Kneeland and surrounding unincorporated area, which includes densely clustered homesteads and neighborhoods along Greenwood Heights Drive and scattered residential properties along Kneeland Road. Due to the remoteness of the area, the Kneeland FPD is often the first to respond to wildfires, and has formal mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE, Humboldt Fire District, and Arcata FPD. Response times can take as long as 30 minutes or more for emergency services to reach the incident site in the remote areas in and outside the District. The volunteer fire company in Maple Creek recently had to close due to insufficient funding. Now the community is relying on seasonal wildfire response from CAL FIRE and the goodwill services from the Kneeland and Blue Lake FPDs. The Kneeland FPD is exploring potential options for expanding the jurisdictional boundary of the Kneeland FPD to include the community of Maple Creek. Annexation would allow the District to extend its current funding sources (special assessments) into the annexation area. However, additional funding may be necessary so that the fire service expansion can be financially supported. A new special tax or assessment, or an increase to the existing special assessment approved in 1990, would require voter approval. While the community of Maple Creek and surrounding area may qualify as a “disadvantaged unincorporated community”, fire protection services within the response area are supplied seasonally by CAL FIRE and by goodwill from the Kneeland FPD. Therefore, there exists no disadvantaged unincorporated communities that are not already receiving some level of fire protection services. Present and planned capacity of public facilities Currently, the District is in need of additional revenue to complete the construction of the fire station and to support the delivery of services (insurance, equipment, fuel, and training) and the regular replacement of apparatus. In addition, like most volunteer departments, the Kneeland FPD is in need of additional volunteers to maintain the service capacity of the District. The District is in the process of constructing a new fire station, which will also serve as the Kneeland 32 Community Center. The new station is expected to increase community participation in local department activities, including volunteering as firefighters or auxiliary members, making donations, supporting fundraisers, writing grants, and/or helping with administrative tasks. Financial ability of agencies to provide services Cost effective delivery of services remains a concern for the Kneeland FPD. The District’s primary sources of revenue are derived from special assessments, County Proposition 172 public safety sales taxes, grant funding, and community fundraising. The District does not receive property taxes. The existing special assessment generates approximately $15,000 per year and has not been increased since its inception in 1990. Increasing the special tax rate to account for inflation and increased service delivery costs, such as equipment replacement and training, would require a District election and two-thirds voter approval. The District is evaluating annexation of Maple Creek and surrounding areas to address the problem of providing services outside their jurisdictional boundary without a sustainable revenue source. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities Although the Kneeland FPD has mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE and neighboring volunteer fire departments, there is limited opportunity for expanded facility and service sharing agreements. Considering there are no fire service providers to the immediate north, south, or east of the District, there are no local agencies that could provide year-round, structural fire protection to the residents of the District within a reasonable response time. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies The Kneeland FPD provides a wide variety of fire protection and emergency medical services to the community. District Board meetings are held each month, are open to the public, and comply with the District’s by-laws and provisions of the Brown Act. The District maintains a website that offers Kneeland residents information about the Department. While the District struggles with funding and recruitment of volunteers, it is evaluating options to improve the District’s capacity to provide expanded services and increase revenue. The District supports the formation of a local Fire Safe Council and participation in the Firewise recognition program for the community of Kneeland. In addition, the District is planning to sponsor a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, once the fire station is constructed. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy Currently, the Kneeland FPD is providing goodwill services to out of district calls for service. Expanding the jurisdictional boundary of the district would formalize the fire protection services currently being provided beyond district boundaries. A sphere of influence expansion to match the out of district response area is recommended in order to support future boundary expansion. 33 5.3 Willow Creek Fire Protection District Growth and population projections for the affected area The Willow Creek FPD has an estimated population of 1,737 residents and 1,111 total housing units, and the non-district response area has an estimated population of 447 residents and 292 total housing units. Significant additional growth in Willow Creek town proper is dependent on construction of a planned wastewater treatment facility. Humboldt County has grown at an average annual growth rate of 0.6 percent per year over the last ten to 12 years. Using a conservative growth rate of 1.0 percent per year, the population within the district boundaries would likely increase by less than 300 residents by the year 2030, or an increase of 15 to 20 new residents per year. Therefore, the demand for fire protection services within the district is not expected to change significantly over the next 20 years. However, as population increases in the future additional volunteers will be required to maintain the service capacity of the District. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere The Willow Creek Census Designated Place (CDP), which includes the entire Willow Creek FPD district boundaries and extends in and outside of the non-district response area, has been identified as a disadvantaged unincorporated community by the State Department of Water Resources.19 While the community of Willow Creek meets the disadvantaged unincorporated community definition, there exists fire protection facilities and water infrastructure to adequately provide fire protection services within the District boundaries. In addition, the Willow Creek FPD is equipped to respond to emergency calls outside their designated district, so long as their services are not required within their immediate district at the time. Considering fire protection services are supplied seasonally by CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service, and by “goodwill” from the Willow Creek FPD, there exists no disadvantaged unincorporated communities that are not already receiving some level of fire protection services. Present and planned capacity of public facilities The District’s fire station, engines, and other utility vehicles are all in operable condition. A new fire truck was purchased in 2012. The District is considering maintenance or replacement costs for upgrading the current apparatus room at the fire station. Plans for a second fire station are in the design phase. The District is funded through revenue collected from property taxes, a special assessment on property, and out of district fees that allows it to replace antiquated apparatus as necessary. Financial ability of agencies to provide services At present, the Willow Creek FPD does not solicit grants but does approve grants solicited by the Willow Creek VFD and underwrites a percentage of the grant requirements. The District Board maintains an operating budget that allows for continued growth, albeit small, in the beginning fund balance. However, increasing insurance, equipment replacement, and training costs are financial constraints for the Willow Creek FPD. 19 State Department of Water Resources. Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) Mapping Tool URL: www.water.ca.gov/irwm/grants/resourceslinks.cfm 34 Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities The Willow Creek FPD conducts all of its business, meetings, and training from a single facility. The District is located away from other fire-related districts, and is not in a position where administrative facilities could be shared with a neighboring district or service provider. The District works cooperatively with local, state, and federal resources to ensure a well coordinated wildfire management strategy. 20 In addition, the District has specific mutual and automatic aid agreements with neighboring fire departments. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies The Willow Creek FPD functions efficiently and is accountable to the community. The District Board meets regularly, and Board meetings are open to the community and comply with the provisions of the Brown Act. The District Board manages taxpayer funds in an appropriate manner and conducts audits regularly. There are enough revenues to sustain the District at its current capacity. Residents within the Willow Creek FPD and non-district response area receive adequate fire protection services through the Willow Creek VFD. The Department struggles with recruitment of volunteers and providing emergency response during business hours can be a challenge. However, mutual aid agreements have been established with nearby agencies that allow the Willow Creek VFD to draw on nearby resources for assistance when an emergency is beyond the capacity of the Department. The Department works in collaboration with the Willow Creek Fire Safe Council to provide community education on fire preparedness and to support fuel reduction projects. In addition, the District also publishes a newsletter to distribute information to the public. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy Currently, the Willow Creek FPD is providing goodwill services to out of district calls for service. Expanding the jurisdictional boundary of the district would formalize the fire protection services currently being provided beyond district boundaries. A sphere of influence expansion to match the out of district response area is recommended in order to support future boundary expansion. 20 Willow Creek Fire Safe Council. (2011). Willow Creek Greater Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan 35 6 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This regional municipal service review recognizes the goodwill services provided by the Blue Lake, Kneeland and Willow Creek FPDs to areas outside fire protection district boundaries. These out of district response areas total more than 154,880 acres in eastern Humboldt County. A regional approach has been conducted by LAFCo to consider the service options in this area and to update the spheres of influence for each fire district. Defining spheres of influence for special districts is an important planning responsibility for LAFCo. Municipal service reviews must be prepared prior to, or in conjunction with, the establishment or update of spheres of influence. It is recommended that the spheres of influence for the Blue Lake, Kneeland and Willow Creek FPDs be expanded to correspond with the response areas beyond district boundaries. These sphere changes help to define where out of district services are currently being provided, and will support future district boundary expansion (annexation) or other changes of organization or reorganization. Annexation was addressed in this municipal service review as an option to formalize the services provided in out of district response areas by the Blue Lake, Kneeland and Willow Creek FPDs. Annexation would allow districts to extend its existing funding sources, or obtain approval for a new tax or assessment. Annexation can also benefit homeowners with lower insurance premiums based on ISO ratings. Updating the District’s spheres is a key step in recognizing where fire protection services are currently being provided by the districts and, in turn, where annexations and corresponding levels of fire protection services are likely in the future. Should the Fire Districts be unable or unwilling to annex lands within the spheres of influence, there are other options to consider. One option that is currently in use in Humboldt County is the formation or expansion of a County Service Area (CSA). Currently, CSA No. 4 provides year-round community fire protection in the Trinidad area through a contract with CAL FIRE. A similar arrangement would provide a funding mechanism to support expanded services by local district contract. This situation is not unique to the east county region. The Humboldt County Master Fire Protection Plan, the Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and other County staff efforts have been effective in defining service options for the entire unincorporated area. This work has prompted the formation of two new fire protection districts funded by special taxes, as well as pending annexations for several other fire districts over the last several years. The sphere of influence updates represents an important step, and in staff’s view is an appropriate use of LAFCo authority. There is more to be done however to improve fire protection and emergency response in rural areas. The annexation and CSA options should be analyzed in more detail for the east county region. Funding sources also need to be identified so these districts can pursue options identified in this report. Ultimately, formalizing fire protection services in all areas of the unincorporated area will require strong community support and political will. LAFCo staff is eager to work with the County, the districts, and the communities they serve to find the best service options and to develop sustainable, on-going funding sources to support fire protection into the future. 36