Director's Corner

When wildfires strike, Caltrans rises to the challenge

Since July, wildfires have ripped through our Golden State, closing roads and creating havoc.

So far, there are $77 million in repair costs for our transportation system and more than a dozen fires are still burning. As always, Caltrans employees have risen to the challenge to meet the incredible demands placed on us as our climate changes and there are more and more fires each year.

Our jobs are critical to Californians. Whether you're staffing road closures, repairing guardrail, helping deliver supplies to emergency responders, cutting down burnt and hazardous trees, or fixing drainage systems, everything you do helps protect the health and safety of the traveling public. I know many of you did this despite being evacuated yourself, or losing your home to a fire.

You are the unsung heroes. From District 1, Tree Crew Supervisor Michael Quinliven, who rerouted and helped trapped State Route 20 motorists, like Honalee Newman flee California's largest fire, the Ranch Fire, to innovative and determined District 2 Dispatchers Erin Titus, Karen Law and Lane Closure System Coordinator Kristen Begrin. When the Redding office was evacuated, the three women created a makeshift communications system with laptops, cell phone hot spots and a hand-held radio held up to an open window. This made it possible for Caltrans to share information within the Department and with the public.

In District 8, employees were dealing with two emergencies. They had barely cleaned up after the Cranston Fire, when it rained and they started having flooding and mudslides. State Routes 74 and 273 were closed temporarily due to rock slides and mudflows. The Idyllwild community will suffer the impacts for years until vegetation grows back to solidify embankments and hillsides.

I am happy to hear that the new Safety vans were extremely helpful during the fires. Safety Officers brought personal protective equipment; including respiratory and heat illness protection, safety glasses and vests, water and food to employees working the fires. When District 1 needed assistance, Los Angeles area District 7 staff drove their safety van up to the Mendocino Complex Fire to help. Caltrans is truly one big family and we work together well – in good times and bad.

As emergencies like these come up, I'd like each of you to think about what you would do if you were evacuated. Prepare an evacuation checklist and plan (PDF) .

Be assured that safety remains Caltrans' highest priority. Additional revenue from SB 1 means we have more projects, contractors and employees on our highways – working hard to catch up on years of delayed maintenance. Please pay attention and be aware of your surroundings at all times. I've worked on the highways too, so I know it's easy to get complacent. Look out for each other and plan for the unexpected. You matter to your family and Caltrans family so please, stay safe.