Wildfire

Wildfire is a direct threat to human life and homes, especially in communities that border open space areas and the wildland-urban interface. Health impacts from reduced air quality from these fires are even more far reaching, as are impacts on critical infrastructure often in wildfire prone locations such as communications towers and electrical transmission lines.

A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire occurring on undeveloped land that requires fire suppression. Wildfires can be ignited by lightning or by human activity such as smoking, campfires, equipment use, sparks from power lines, and arson. Fire hazards present a considerable risk to vegetation and wildlife habitats. Short-term loss caused by a wildfire can include the destruction of timber, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, and watersheds. Long-term effects include smaller timber harvests, reduced access to affected recreational areas, and destruction of cultural and economic resources and community infrastructure. The potential for significant damage to life and property exists in areas designated as “wildland urban interface areas,” where development is adjacent to densely vegetated areas. 

In 2022 the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection updated its wildfire risk map. The new map shows an increase in fire hazard in state responsibility areas, including those adjacent to the City of Cupertino. Impacted populations include those living or working within the wildland-urban interface in the foothills of west Cupertino, as well as people with chronic lung problems and other preexisting health conditions, children, pregnant women, and older adults.