INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM - Idaho Statesman

INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jade Riley
DATE: 8/28/08
SUBJECT: Southeast Boise Fire Post-Incident Action Plan
CC: Police, Fire, PDS, ACCEM
Recovery and remediation measures are well under way in the Oregon Trail Heights subdivision, which
was severely impacted by Monday’s fire. As you are aware, following the tour of the fire site on Tuesday
by the Mayor and Council, staff was directed to develop a comprehensive post-incident action plan. Our
immediate priority has been ensuring the affected residents are provided with all of the information and
assistance they need to begin rebuilding their homes and lives. This memo outlines the steps taken to date
and under way in three major areas:
1. Interagency meeting regarding next steps for affected property owners (held Aug. 27).
The City of Boise and Ada City-County Emergency Management convened a multi-agency
debriefing this morning to coordinate recovery and remediation efforts. At the table in the City
Council Chambers were multiple City departments (Police, Fire, Public Works, PDS, Mayor’s
Office, City Council Office) as well as representatives of Ada County, ACHD, BLM, Bureau of
Homeland Security, Idaho Power, United Water, Intermountain Gas and other involved agencies.
Among the issues discussed:
• Designation of Theresa McLeod, Office of the Mayor, as the single point of contact for
neighborhood residents.
• Added police patrols until damaged structures are secure. (Confirmed on all three shifts).
• Street sweeping and debris removal from storm drains. (ACHD will commence work this
morning).
• Demolition of structures and removal of debris.
• Stabilization of soil, erosion control, and reseeding.
• Express demolition and building permits.
• Meeting with affected property owners to discuss “next steps” action plan, provide

information, answer questions and provide assistance. (Target date is next week.)
2. Incident operational debrief with all participants to generate lessons learned (tentatively set
for week of Sept. 8)
By all accounts, the multi-agency response to this incident went fairly smoothly and without
major operational problems. However, as always following major incidents, all involved City
departments and non-City agencies responding to the incident will meet to review the sequence of
events and determine which adjustments to procedures are needed. Fire will be the lead
department in this analysis. Among issues to be considered:
• Operational protocol changes.
• Communication enhancements.
• Training improvements.
• Equipment needs.
• Public information and communication.
3. Policy review to prevent or reduce future incidents (to be completed within 90 days and
reported to Mayor and Council)
In addition to possible changes to emergency response procedures, this incident illustrates the
need to examine proactive steps that the City and/or other agencies might take to prevent or
mitigate catastrophic fires in the urban/wildland interface. Such reassessment could include the
following:
• Geographic applicability of regulations (Foothills vs. other areas).
• Changes to zoning and building code (e.g., roofing, exterior materials).
• Potentially move from voluntary compliance to mandatory regarding “fire-wise”
landscaping.
• Explore further funding options with state and federal governments to mitigate hazardous
fuels.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions or concerns regarding this action plan.
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