|
A word on the importance of this commemoration from the NHCA Chair
Thirty-five years ago, Oakland faced what was then the worst urban fire disaster in the nation’s history. On the morning of October 20, 1991, Diablo winds fanned a wildfire that swept through 1,600 acres in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills, killing 25 people, injuring 150 more and destroying 3,000 homes at an estimated economic loss of $1.5 billion. The winds raged for six hours but full containment did not happen for two days. As many as 400 engine companies, 1,500 personnel, and 250 agencies worked to extinguish the blaze.
With the guidance of newly created United Policyholders, survivors overcame the numerous difficulties of insurance claims and rebuilt. Through that process, we created a national model for recovery from disasters. Oakland and Berkeley (plus a host of other agencies) formed the Hills Emergency Forum and strengthened mutual aid agreements, which culminated most recently in the formation of the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments. Our fire departments have set the standard for fighting urban wildfires. Residents created local organizations, such as the North Hills Phoenix Association, now known as North Hills Community Association, the Claremont Canyon Conservancy, and Firesafe Councils which have spawned the birth of Firesafe communities throughout the Bay Area. Oakland voters made vegetation management a priority, demonstrated recently by the passage of Measure MM to fund wildfire reduction activities.
This anniversary serves as a reminder that while the risk of wildfire is ever present in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills, we as residents and neighbors must take steps to protect our homes and loved ones to ensure that we can be safe and recover quickly in the event of a future disaster.
David Kessler
NHCA Chair
|
Showing 1 reaction