Fire Preparedness Exercise 2016
Summary
SCH Number
2016048296
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Fire Preparedness Exercise 2016
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/21/2016
Document Description
The Fire Preparedness Exercise (FPE) requires CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit personnel to demonstrate physical fitness and the safe and effective use of fire suppression tactics in preparation for 2016 peak staffing level. The FPE will be located on land owned by the Forest Service in the San Bernardino National Forest within the Boa Rx Burn Project boundaries. The hand line cutting area is approximately 23 acres. Approximately one acre will actually be cut. The FPE will consist of approximately 25 hand lines (6 ft wide, up to approximately 400' long) constructed by CAL FIRE type I hand and engine crews. Each crew will utilize chainsaws to cut shrubs, and hand tools to remove surface vegetation exposing bare mineral soil (approximately 2 ft wide) for one hour. Length of hand lines will depend on the crew's productivity during a one hour timer period. No trees will be cut. No burning of the slash will occur. Crews will hike approximately 3.5 miles on existing roads (1N31, 2N52, 2N53) prior to beginning hand line construction. Crews will conduct 1000' long progressive hose lays which will not involve the cutting of vegetation. Hose lays will take place on disturbed areas such as roads or existing fuel breaks along Lower Lytle Creek Ridge. Fire apparatus will be operated from existing roads and road shoulders to pump water for the progressive hose lay. Shelter deployment and tool out will occur at the turnout at the intersection of 1N31 and 2N53. The staging area (Incident Command Post) for the FPE will be Applewhite Picnic Ground. No ground based equipment will be operated off existing road surfaces and already disturbed road shoulders/turnouts. The FPE is expected to take place over the course of no more than five days. The project area has been strategically selected to complement or benefit the fuel break construction for the Forest Service's Boa Rx Burn Project and is within the boundaries of the Boa Rx Burn Project. All Forest Service project design criteria will be followed. Project area will be rehabilitated to Forest Service standards.
Contact Information
Name
Henry Herrera
Agency Name
Cal Fire
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
San Bernardino
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4-15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits under Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land). This project as proposed constructs handlines and does not remove healthy, mature, or scenic trees. Field review by CAL FIRE staff confirmed that no exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a NOE for this project. The Dept has concluded that no significant environmental impacts will occur.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.