Alameda Wildfire Fire Pathways Analysis

In 2024, The Alameda County Coordinator hired XyloPlan’s team of fire scientists and forestry experts to complete a fire pathways analysis for Alameda County. The analysis studies the routes that wildfires follow as they spread through landscapes. These pathways are shaped by wind, terrain, and flammable vegetation. By identifying the specific routes fires may take, XyloPlan has provided Alameda County with a clear plan for mitigation efforts to help slow or stop wildfires before they reach our communities.

The key findings from the Fire Pathways Analysis for Alameda County focus on critical areas that could be affected by fast-moving, wind-driven wildfires. The analysis provides data to reduce wildfire risks and covers these areas:

• Two Main Wind-Driven Fire Threats

• Fire Entry Points and Ember Threat Zones

• Overall recommendations

Two main wind-driven fire threats were identified as Fire Pathways and Risks:

• Diablo Winds (Northeast): These winds would most likely impact the western portions of Alameda County, drying out vegetation and increasing fire spread risk.

• Maritime Influence Winds (Southwest): These winds would affect the eastern portions of the county, which are exposed to both wind patterns.

Fire Entry Points and Ember Threat Zones:

• Entry Points: Locations where fire pathways intersect with densely built areas, making them the first to experience fire exposure.

• Ember Threat Zones: Areas where embers from burning vegetation along fire pathways are most likely to ignite structures, leading to rapid fire spread.

The Fire Pathways Analysis overall recommendations for fire mitigation are for Alameda County fire, park and environmental agencies are to:

• Prioritize home hardening and defensible space efforts with education, incentives, and enforcement of fire-resistant home improvements.

• Begin vegetation clearing and fuel reduction efforts in high-risk corridors.

• Use fire pathways modeling to acquire resources for community.

• Focus on high-risk zones for risk reduction.

The City of Berkeley Fire Department is using this risk analysis to inform our wildfire prevention strategies, collaborate with our community partners, and seek future grant opportunities to continue our wildfire mitigation efforts. Other cities in Alameda County can use the analysis for similar reasons by downloading the resources provided below.