The Laguna Beach City Council has taken significant steps to enhance wildfire safety in the community by updating its wildfire mitigation plan. Following the devastating fires in January, the council directed staff members Bob Whalen and Sue Kim to revise the 2019 plan, which they successfully completed within a 90-day timeframe.

A key focus of the updated plan is the implementation of utility undergrounding, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by downed power lines. The plan also incorporates advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) systems that utilize cameras to detect wildfires at their earliest stages, allowing for quicker response times.

Collaboration with local water districts, including the Laguna Beach County Water District and South Coast Water District, has been crucial in ensuring a reliable water supply for firefighting efforts. The council discussed the importance of these partnerships in maintaining adequate resources to combat potential wildfires.

Additionally, the council addressed the challenges of fuel modification and the lengthy regulatory processes involved, particularly under California's California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It can take up to three years to approve necessary zones for fuel modification, which is vital for community protection. The council is looking to leverage a recent executive order from the governor that allows for expedited approvals to facilitate these critical safety measures.

As the council moves forward, the next steps will focus on the practical implementation of the updated wildfire mitigation strategies, ensuring that the community is better prepared for future wildfire threats.