MANTON FIRE SAFE COUNCIL

Minutes of the Community Meeting

Sept. 17, 2024 6:00 p.m.

Location of Meeting: Manton Volunteer Fire Department

Present at Meeting: Board members: Janet Jensen, Joanne Paquin-Sproul, Chelsey Snethen, Hal Sawyer.

Attending: Judy Ramos, Paul Crabtree, Monica Tognella, Andy Smith, Bob Cords, Tom Carrier, Suzie Carrier, Clint Gray, Buffy Gray, Lee Marshall, Darrell Tomlinson, Diana Tomlinson, BettyKay Pilcher, Drew Barnhart, Ken Bell, Regina Bell, Trey Hiller, John Wilson, June Moss, Sandy Halsted, Matthew Halsted, William Halsted, Emeline Halsted, Bill Pugh, Ken Pilcher.

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Janet Jensen.

Approval of July 16, 2024 minutes, motioned by BettyKay Pilcher, 2nd by Monica Tognella, no objections.

I. Speakers: Drew Barnhart, Tehama County Resource Conservation District, spoke about Fuel Reduction segueing into Rock Creek Rd./Shasta County. This would be working within easements. They have completed 135 acres within the community, including Hazen Rd. RCD is applying for an additional CalFire grant which would include $100k within Manton. They’ve also applied for a $99k grant with PGE. They are working on the MOU (Memo of Understanding) with Shasta County RCD. They are also offering completely free Defensible Space, with brochure available at our meeting.

II. Speaker: Captain John Wilson, CalFire, spoke about the Park Fire- 99% contained, 429,603 acres. 4th largest fire in California history. Fire sustained runs of 10 miles an hour. Capt. Wilson's most important point was maintaining defensible space. Firefighters will not be allowed to come on to your property to defend your home if it is not defensible and if it’s too dangerous, CalFire will not allow their firefighters to risk their lives to save your home. Also described the dangers his crew came close to while laying hose near Inskip during the Park Fire. They came into close proximity to 21ft walls of flames traveling at erratic wind speeds directly towards them. He said to “implore upon community to maintain camaraderie to continue” the 1/4 mile wide swath/clearing breaks; that with mobile attack scenarios, with rocks, creeks, stumps, no way could they have done it without the bulldozers doing the clearing.

III. MVFD Volunteers Marion Rocksvold & Bob Cords spoke about community doing a great job during Park Fire, and to remember to always help a neighbor. Marion spoke about driving through fire areas all the time, having the ability to see things others don’t. Marion and Bob spoke about the 8’ to 11’ blades of dozer lines were cut around Hwy36 to protect Manton. Questions were asked how that could be maintained? A member of the community asked if a huge fire protection boundary line could be made around Manton for future fires? Capt Wilson stated no, it wouldn’t be maintainable. MFSC will attempt to meet with landowner to find out about maintaining the lines that have already been cut. BUT… we were not permitted to travel on their property. Bob Cords talked about having other water sources, tanks plus ponds for “pulling water”, every little bit helps, do your clearing around water sources. CalFire goes back in now for rehab, erosion, etc. MFSC spoke about using grant money left to buy 2 more tanks.

IV. Firewsie Certification- At this point, Manton is State Approved, waiting on

Federal. Reminder to community members to log in your hours.

V. Home Hardening workshop on Oct. 14 was very successful. Participants asked for more like that.

VI. Chelsey Snethen gave the treasurer’s report on our bank account- checking, water tank maintenance and fundraising.

VII. Trey Hiller spoke about hosting BCWC “Fish and Fire” panel. Hundreds of millions have been spent. Fire issue not addressed. Trey will make a map and send it to emails that he has. Asks that when he does, that we send it on.

Monica Tognella asked what we can do as a community about the house across from the post office?

Meeting was adjourned at 7:40 with a motion from Bill Pugh. and 2nd from Ken Pilcher.

*Next meeting will be Dec. 10, 2024.