Urgent Structural Fire Mitigation and Structural Safety Measures: A Call for a Greener and Safer America

Dear Board Members, Fire Chief, and Team,

It gives me immense satisfaction to actively contribute to expediting efforts in mitigating wildfires, structural fires, and their devastating impact on lives and property.

I strongly recommend designating burnt areas as high-risk fire zones, not only for wildfires but also for structural fires. It is imperative that we rebuild with enhanced fire-resistant architecture as mandated by the city, county, and state. New homes must incorporate external fire-extinguishing sprinklers and IoT monitoring systems that alert first responders, senior centers, and individuals with disabilities.

Key safety measures should include:

Roof-mounted sensors and sprinklers that detect and respond to fire intensity.
Automated activation of utility service sprinklers if temperatures exceed a critical threshold.
Integration of artificial reservoirs and alternative water sources as a first line of defense before emergency responders arrive.
High-pressure pipes connected to fire hydrants, ensuring immediate water availability.
Cooling stations near high-risk areas like Malibu Drive, funded through a joint venture between the city and local communities.

Additionally, I recently participated in a workshop at Stanford University on assistive technology development for individuals with impairments. I strongly emphasized the need to incorporate advanced monitoring and alerting systems to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities receive early warnings in emergencies like wildfires or floods, allowing them to evacuate to safety in time.

This is a shared responsibility—not one that falls solely on law enforcement or fire teams, but on every individual. I am committed to raising awareness and integrating emergency mitigation into every transformative effort. In California, disaster preparedness should be a part of everyday life.

A detailed breakdown of shared responsibilities and implementation strategies is provided in the attached slides. I urge us to take swift action to safeguard our communities and prevent future disasters.

Looking forward to your support in making this a reality.

Sincerely,

Sri

A Proud Resident of City of Santa Clara

Urgent Fire Mitigation and Structural Safety Measures: A Call for a Greener and Safer California

Author: Srinivasan Manivannan
Date: March 15, 2025

This article highlights the urgent need for wildfire and structural fire mitigation strategies in California to protect lives, property, and ecosystems. Addressing fire risks requires innovative technologies, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

A Message to Governor Gavin Newsom

It is my privilege to contribute to wildfire and structural fire mitigation efforts, ensuring a safer California. As a resident of Mission City, Santa Clara, I am writing as a concerned public member, independent of my commissioner role, to propose critical fire safety recommendations.

Key Recommendations

Fire-Resistant Architecture
- Mandate rebuilding in high-risk fire zones with enhanced fire-resistant materials.
- Require external fire-extinguishing sprinklers for all new constructions.
IoT and Monitoring Systems
- Install roof-mounted fire sensors and sprinklers that activate based on heat intensity.
- Automate utility service sprinklers to trigger at critical temperatures.
Alternative Water Sources
- Establish artificial reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems.
- Ensure immediate access to high-pressure pipes connected to fire hydrants.
Cooling Stations
- Build cooling stations near high-risk wildfire zones.
- Fund these stations through public-private partnerships between municipalities and communities.
Community Responsibility
- Encourage proactive disaster preparedness among residents.
- Integrate fire safety awareness into community planning efforts.

Technological Solutions

Deploy IoT-based remote monitoring and alerting systems.
Develop dashboards and workflows for efficient wildfire response.
Implement green strategies such as aerial seeding and controlled vegetation management.
Enhance fire hydrant infrastructure with high-pressure water supply systems.

Vision for a Fire-Resilient California

The ultimate goal is to create a fire-resilient state with sustainable landscapes while prioritizing safety, transparency, and community engagement. These measures will strengthen California’s disaster preparedness and ensure long-term sustainability.

I urge swift action to safeguard our communities and prevent future disasters.