Wildfires

November 3, 2022

Question: How do CDFW fish hatcheries prepare for wildfires?

Answer: First, we’d like to acknowledge the commitment of many California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) hatchery staff who have worked during wildfire season in challenging conditions. Multiple fires have occurred near CDFW fish hatcheries, including one at Trinity River Hatchery in Trinity County which prompted an 11-day evacuation of the facility. During that wildfire, one or two employees were escorted into the facility by law enforcement each day to feed fish, clean screens and check on operations.

In 2020, the Walbridge Fire burned more than 55,000 acres in Sonoma County and came within a mile of – and one ridgeline away from – the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery in Geyserville. The hatchery’s supervisor, the late Brett Wilson, and three staff who lived onsite – Bryan Freele, Danny Garcia and Alan Pariani – stayed behind after evacuation orders were given to make sure fish were cared for. Power was out at the hatchery for several days requiring staff to refill diesel generators every few hours around the clock. As helicopters and planes carrying flame retardant circled above, one after another, hatchery staff periodically rode motorcycles to the ridgeline to scout the fire. At one point, the fire came so close that staff connected all the hatchery’s fire hoses in the dark of night. The fire was contained after several days, and all the fish survived.

Wildfire defense at CDFW hatcheries begins with year-round facility maintenance. This includes ground maintenance such as cleaning ponds, trimming trees, mowing and clearing brush around on-site homes and at the hatchery. It also includes equipment maintenance such as making sure generators, fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles are in good working order.

There are also requirements in place for when wildfire causes poor air quality at a hatchery. Even if a wildfire isn’t directly threatening a hatchery, the air quality can be poor. This can be especially tough for hatchery staff whose jobs often involve labor and time spent outdoors. CDFW follows Cal/OSHA standards pertaining to Air Quality Index (AQI). Anytime there’s an AQI above 150 to 499, employees are encouraged to wear N95 masks. If the AQI is 500 or above, staff are required to wear a fitted P100 respirator mask to work outside, or they must work inside in a ventilated building. A CDFW safety officer conducts fit testing for the masks, and each hatchery has an AQI monitor.

Hatchery supervisors also recognize the challenges that staff take on when there’s a wildfire near a facility impacting air quality. During these events, supervisors take extra precautions to make sure staff are taken care of and offered additional breaks and plenty of shade and water. Keeping staff, facilities and hatchery fish safe is a year-round effort for CDFW. A sincere thanks to our team whose dedication makes that possible.