With climate change, California fires are much faster and dangerous than in the past.  Bay-O-Vista is subject to high windstorms that could turn a fire into a disastrous fire storm.  We need to do what we can to safeguard and “fire harden” our homes and prepare for the worst in the event we must evacuate the community.  The City’s 2022 Kittleson Report on evacuation capacities in the event of a disaster indicates that a fire nearby in Lake Chabot or Fairmont Ridge will require the entire community to evacuate and that Vistagrand Drive and Benedict Drive would be over capacity (this was before Lake Chabot Road was closed!).

WUI-Go! Evacuation Planning Tool
The BOVIA Board has commissioned the design and development of an individualized, interactive planning tool to help you prepare for an emergency evacuation due to wildfire.  Please be sure to read about it within “Important Matters” section of the BOVIA website.

Funding to Help Remove Junipers
Junipers are known for their resilience and aesthetic appeal, but they also possess heightened flammable characteristics.  Junipers contain high levels of volatile oils and resins. Their foliage can dry quickly, especially in hot, dry conditions, creating potential for fast-spreading flames.  When dried, fallen branches and foliage can also contribute to fire spread.  Junipers are also one of the most fire prone species, sometimes referred to as a “gasoline bush” by firefighters.

Bay-O-Vista is at risk because of the extremely flammable junipers that were used to landscape Bay-O-Vista when it was first developed.  Many of our homes still have junipers (and rosemary which is also very flammable) growing in our yards which will send flames high up into the air where it will quickly spread to your home and other properties. Overgrown bushes and trees, particularly pine trees, will add fuel to any fire. There is some funding reimbursement available from the Diablo Fire Safe Council to pay for the removal of junipers and other flammable landscaping.  It takes cooperation among several neighbors and a plan on how to address it. Please email katwellman54@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.