Wildfire Preparedness

In July, the Riva Ridge Homeowners Association joined forces with Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Cal Fire for a day of hands-on training and equipment testing. Wildfire preparedness was our focus. This event is an annual Riva Ridge tradition. The team serviced and tested five mobile water pumps, each kept in readiness by a homeowner with a swimming pool.

These pumps can play an important role during a wildfire. If a fire threatens the area, the pumps can be positioned where fire engines can use them to fill their tanks with swimming pool water. This can save valuable time by eliminating the need for fire engines to make a longer trip to another water source.

LPVFR and Cal Fire joined the Riva Ridge team to observe the pump operations and conduct their own training exercises. It was a valuable opportunity to practice working together and become familiar with the equipment and procedures that could be needed during an emergency.

As you might expect, wildfire preparedness in the middle of summer is warm work. Once all the equipment had been serviced, tested, and safely stowed away, everyone gathered to enjoy cold drinks, hot dogs, and apple pie. A Proud Firewise Community. Riva Ridge was the second community in Santa Cruz County to achieve Firewise recognition.

Since then, the Firewise program has grown tremendously. As of mid-August, 123 communities in Santa Cruz County have achieved Firewise recognition. The continued growth of the program demonstrates what can be accomplished when neighbors work together to prepare their communities for the increasing threat of wildfire.

Steve Hand and Mark Gouldsberry servicing one of Riva Ridge’s five portable pumps.