(SACRAMENTO) - Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) introduced AB 367 to increase the performance of fire hydrants supplying water to Ventura County firefighters in their battles against wildfires. The legislation raises baseline standards of emergency preparedness for water districts servicing homes in high fire risk areas of Ventura County as mapped by Cal FIRE.
The bill requires water districts to:
- top off their water tanks after notification from Ventura County Emergency Services,
- ensure prompt backup power is available to keep pumps working after power shutoffs, and
- fire harden appropriate water pumps and backup generators.
The bill also requires a report after major fires. It must include information on tank water levels, performance of backup power and effectiveness of the fire hardening structures around water pumps and backup power. A companion bill has been introduced to address concerns raised regarding financing-related challenges.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett sent a questionnaire to all the City Managers in Ventura County and the water districts to obtain data and input regarding their particular systems and their thoughts about this bill. All stakeholders are invited to continue offering input as this bill begins to move through the legislative process.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett said "We know fire hydrants will lose pressure or fail during massive wind driven fires but we should ensure we keep them operating as effectively and as long as possible. This bill will help us achieve that goal."
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is a principal co-author of this bill. She said "After each fire, we learn a little more about how to be better prepared. This bill is an important first step toward ensuring our water supplies are more resilient and ready to fight the next fire."
"Assemblymember Bennett has worked with us, the fire department, water districts and cities to develop this bill. It improves the standards for water district preparation for Ventura County's wind driven wildfires. It will pay real dividends in the future with fewer homes being lost," said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services of Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
Assemblymember Bennett is co-hosting a Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall with Supervisor Matt LaVere on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Ventura County Government Center.
Steve Bennett represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura. He is chair of the Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Change, Natural Resources, Energy and Transportation.
CONTACT: Michelle.Sevilla@asm.ca.gov