SUMMARY
In the 2017 Thomas fire and the 2018 Woolsey fire, water shortages hampered firefighters’ ability to protect structures. Ventura County frequently experiences conditions of low humidity, high winds and dry brush, conducive to dangerous wildland fires. Ventura County has ninety-six percent of its rural and unincorporated lands classified as very high fire zones.
The 2022-2023 Ventura County Grand Jury conducted an investigation of current protocols and procedures utilized by 15 Ventura County public water purveyors to supply adequate water for wildland fire suppression.
The Grand Jury finds that having written procedures for actions taken by public water purveyors during a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and/or Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to wildfires is a best practice that is lacking in Ventura County.
The Grand Jury finds that most public water purveyors do not have adequate backup power in the event of disruptions due to fire damage or loss of utility power.
The Grand Jury finds that notification to Ventura County public water purveyors of impending Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings is inconsistent due to out- of-date contact lists at the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services.
The Grand Jury finds that inadequate communication between adjoining Ventura County public water purveyors limits their ability to coordinate available resources, including water transfers.
The Grand Jury finds that the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard and Ventura have not adopted language concerning brush clearance around water infrastructure that is consistent with Ventura County Fire Code.
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County water purveyors establish written operational procedures and training to provide for increased water supply during Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning, active fire and Public Safety Power Shutoff events for purposes of firefighting.
The Grand Jury recommends that Ventura County water purveyors have on-site emergency power available for all critical water infrastructure.
The Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services maintain a current contact list of Ventura County water purveyors, updated at least once a year.
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