SACRAMENTO — The California State Legislature sent Assemblymember Bennett’s AB 367 to the Governor’s desk. The bill would increase the performance of fire hydrants supplying water to Ventura County firefighters in their battles against wildfires. The legislation also raises baseline standards of emergency preparedness for water districts servicing homes in high fire risk areas of Ventura County as mapped by Cal FIRE.
The bill requires water districts to:
1) develop emergency preparedness plans
2) ensure prompt backup power is available to keep pumps working after power shutoffs, and
3) fire harden appropriate water pumps and backup generators.
The bill also requires a report after major fires. It must include information on tank water levels, performance of backup power and effectiveness of the fire hardening structures around water pumps and backup power.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett has worked closely with jurisdictions and water stakeholders within and beyond Ventura County, saying “We are the fastest warming county in the nation. Our community faces mounting challenges with climate-exacerbated wildfires. We need to take the common sense preparation steps.”
The bill is supported by the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors and the California Professional Firefighters.
— Steve Bennett represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura. He is chair of the Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Change, Natural Resources, Energy and Transportation.