Executive Summary

The frequency and impact of major disasters like hurricanes, floods, mudslides, and wildfires have underscored the critical role of evacuation planning within emergency management. Recognizing the need for structured and formalized plans, particularly in high-risk regions like western Stanislaus County, this evacuation plan was developed to address the unique challenges of evacuating communities and properties in fire-prone areas.

This plan focuses on the western section of Stanislaus County, covering the area between Interstate 5 and the Santa Clara County line, extending from San Joaquin County to the Merced County line. This 275,340-acre region, designated as moderate to very high fire severity, includes the Diablo Grande community and surrounding areas, which are susceptible to wildfires due to their location in the State Responsibility Area (SRA). The region contains approximately 658 structures at risk (VARs), comprising residential, commercial, and agricultural properties with a combined asset value of over $173 million.

The recent history of wildfires in the area, particularly the 2020 SCU Lightning Complex Fire, which burned over 175,000 acres and forced the evacuation of Diablo Grande, highlights the vulnerability of this community. With only one access route – Diablo Grande Parkway – the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan is urgent, given the community’s dual designation as both disadvantaged (SB 535) and low-income (AB 1550).

The West Stanislaus Wildfire Evacuation Plan is designed to provide coordinated strategies and procedures for executing evacuations and shelter-in-place orders in response to wildfires. It prioritizes inclusive communication and accessible transportation, particularly for those with access and functional needs, as well as the evacuation of pets and large animals. The plan also emphasizes public alert systems, transportation logistics, and the organization of key roles and responsibilities.

Funded through a grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Climate Investments Program, this plan aligns with the Stanislaus County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and adheres to the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS). It coordinates with law enforcement and other functional annexes within the county’s EOP and integrates seamlessly with state and local emergency plans.

While the primary focus is wildfire evacuations, the plan is adaptable to other large-scale emergencies requiring mass evacuation. It also includes educational outreach strategies to help residents develop personal evacuation plans. This plan does not cover care and shelter operations, as those are detailed in a separate county document.

This plan was developed to ensure an orderly and safe evacuation of residents and domestic and livestock animals during wildfires in the Diablo Grande and Del Puerto Canyon region. Although wildfire is the predominant risk in the area, other hazards such as landslides, flooding, extreme weather, and technological hazards exist, that may necessitate evacuation, for which this plan may also be used. 

The most recent significant disaster impacting the area was the SCU Lightning Complex Fire, which burned over 175,000 acres in western Stanislaus County in August and September of 2020, requiring the evacuation of the Diablo Grande community and approximately 1,000 residents. No lives were lost because of the fire, but nineteen residential and commercial properties in the region were impacted, with some reported as total losses. The fire also highlighted the danger of the Diablo Grande community having only one access road for ingress and egress and limited options for communication. The area is designated as high to very-high fire threat severity zones. 

Both the Diablo Grande community and the surrounding properties hold dual designations as SB 535 disadvantaged and AB 1550 low-income communities, and Stanislaus County, in collaboration with Cal-Fire, has initiated the process to designate the Diablo Grande community as a state-recognized "Community at Risk."

The primary purpose of this plan is to facilitate, coordinate, and guide communication efforts should this area again be subject to an evacuation due to wildfire. It can also be used to assist in evacuations for other emergencies, whether natural or human-caused, where evacuation is being considered or has already been ordered.