Palo Alto fire marshal urges defensible space, previews sensors and new foothills coverage

Tammy Jasso, fire marshal for the City of Palo Alto, told the commission that wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility and urged early evacuation planning, redundant communication and homeowner actions to create defensible space. "Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility," Jasso said, adding that embers and extreme winds can quickly escalate a fire and affect areas beyond the foothills.

Jasso described local capacity and recent investments: the department operates six full stations, several ambulances and two wildland fire engines built for foothill response; a part‑time Station 8 in the foothills will open next week and will be staffed during fire season to reduce response times. She also summarized a two‑year pilot that placed 50 sensors (12 in Palo Alto foothills) capable of early smoke detection and said the city coordinates a Foothills Fire Management Plan as an annex to the county community wildfire protection plan.

On resident preparedness, Jasso advised homeowners to create a five‑foot defensible zone around structures, prepare go bags with medications and documents, plan for animals, sign up for AlertSCC (county alerts) and use Genesis Protect to look up evacuation zones. "A prepared home makes our job easier," she said, noting that homes with defensible space are easier for firefighters to protect.

Captain Wooten, presenting virtually, previewed a Saturday workshop at Rinconada Library (12:30–2:30 p.m.) that will focus on fire‑wise landscaping and practical steps homeowners can take to harden properties. Wooten said a landscaping expert will review plants and approaches that balance safety and home aesthetics.

Commissioners asked whether the city has studied prolonged electric and water system resiliency; Jasso said she was not aware of a dedicated study but noted the utility has been undergrounding overhead lines in the Foothills and the city has water tanks in the foothills to support firefighting. No formal motions or policy changes were taken at the meeting; the fire department encouraged residents to attend upcoming workshops and to use the posted resources.