To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aaron J. McAlister, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Execute an MOU with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) to utilize certain public fire hydrants to fill and operate temporary water supply reservoirs (Helo Pods) during wildland suppression.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute an MOU with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) to formalize the requirements and responsibilities for Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) to utilize certain public fire hydrants to fill and operate temporary water supply reservoirs (Helo Pods) to be placed at the urban wildland interface for the use by fire agencies during wildland fire suppression, effective upon the execution of the MOU for a 20-year period.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact considering the District’s need to place Helo Pods in useful areas and the benefits of conducting limited site preparation (grading or gravel foundation for access, drainage, or tank foundation), as needed for Helo Pod placement
BACKGROUND:
The fire district has purchased six (6) portable water tanks that are marketed as helicopter dip tanks for wildland fire suppression. The intent is to distribute these tanks throughout the county to supplement water availability in high fire severity areas. A requirement for efficient use of the dip tanks is a readily available municipal water supply to refill the tank during periods of use. This agreement between CCCFPD and EBMUD allows for municipal hydrant usage during fire suppression activities.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without this MOU the fire district could not deploy temporary water tanks to areas serviced by EBMUD.