VENTURA, Calif. – On Tuesday, February 25, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to support Assembly Bill 367, proposed legislation aimed at improving wildfire response by ensuring that local water systems are better prepared to handle emergencies during power outages. The bill, which is being brought forth in the California State Assembly by Assemblymember Steve Bennett, requires water districts in high and very high fire risk zones take critical steps to maintain water supply for firefighting.
“We have experienced devastating fires in the last seven years and this bill aims to address the issues we have seen in water delivery,” stated 1st District Supervisor Matt LaVere. ““Supporting AB 367 is a critical step toward ensuring our community has the resources needed to fight fires even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Under AB 367, water districts serving areas with 20 or more residential homes are required to be equipped with backup power systems capable of running wells and pumps at full capacity for at least 24 hours during a power outage. This measure aims to ensure that during emergencies, even if electricity is disrupted, firefighters will continue to have access to the water they need. In addition, when the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services issues a warning about dangerous weather conditions, water districts would be required to fill their storage tanks to capacity, guaranteeing that an adequate water reserve is on hand.
To further bolster safety, the bill would require that the Ventura County Fire Department conduct annual inspections of water facilities to confirm that they meet established fire safety standards.
The bill also introduces a reporting requirement: if a fire results in the loss of 10 or more residential dwellings or causes over $3 million in damage, the affected water district must work together with the Fire Department to assess the performance of its water delivery system and identify areas for improvement.
“This bill provides a step forward in strengthening the resiliency of water infrastructure in fire-prone areas and improving the effectiveness of firefighting operations,” said 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long. “Our vote today underscores our commitment to public safety and proactive measures.”
AB 367 comes in response to a series of devastating wildfires that have significantly impacted Ventura County, causing over $8 billion in damages over the past decade. This legislation marks a decisive effort to secure water resources during emergencies, ensuring local fire departments have the support they need to combat wildfires effectively.
