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Authorizing the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation to hold hearings to examine the interdepartmental protocol, administered by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and the Office of Emergency Management, for urban-fire management in public parks and park adjacent neighborhoods, considering the recent unprecedented droughts and wildfires across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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WHEREAS, An interdepartmental protocol is required to ensure that the city is prepared to respond to an event such as a wide-spread park fire that could impact surrounding neighborhoods, infrastructure, and wildlife. The Philadelphia Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Office of Emergency Management must work in tandem to develop a definitive and specific plan to mitigate an event of this nature; and
WHEREAS, For over a month, Philadelphia has experienced its most severe drought since 1874, with 42 consecutive days without rain. 2024 has been the driest year on record in Philadelphia, breaking the 130-year-old precedent. Pennsylvania’s Drought Task Force has declared a severe drought watch for 33 counties, including Philadelphia, and is asking people to voluntarily conserve water; and
WHEREAS, The imminent threat of climate change is becoming more apparent in recent years. With over 6 active wildfires in Pennsylvania, and more across the tri-state area, we are witnessing what could be the future of our climate in real time. Thus, our City’s protocols regarding mitigating natural disasters must adapt to our current circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia holds 10,200 acres of natural lands, including almost 6,000 acres of parkland. The risk of park fires is significantly heightened during periods of dry and warm conditions, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. During these conditions, vegetation becomes dry and highly flammable, creating an ideal environment for wildfires to spread rapidly. High temperatures, low humidity, and drought stress the land, leaving it vulnerable to ignition. Fires that would otherwise be easier to control can quickly escalate in such an environment, particularly in parks where dense vegetation and dry brush can act as fuel for a fire to spread across vast areas; and
WHEREAS, 90% of wildfires are caused by human actions, ranging from careless campfires, discarded cigarette butts, and fireworks to more deliberate causes such as arson. Many of these fires start in or near recreational areas like national and state parks, where people gather and engage in outdoor activities. Philadelphia’s parks are not exempt from this risk; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia's urban parks face a heightened risk due to their popularity among visitors. With thousands of people visiting these spaces for recreational activities like hiking, picnicking, and camping, even a small oversight such as an improperly discarded cigarette or a spark from fireworks can set off a dangerous fire. The densely populated areas surrounding these parks mean that even small fires can quickly spread to nearby neighborhoods, posing a significant threat not only to the parklands but also to homes and infrastructure in the City; and
WHEREAS, In addition to a mitigation plan, during times of severe droughts, the City must take it upon themselves to educate the public about the risks of fires in our parks to ensure that visitors are aware of the sensitivity of the land they are using for recreation; and
WHEREAS, It is crucial that this legislative body takes this opportunity to be proactive in providing an opportunity for interdepartmental dialogue, a formation of a clear and detailed urban-fire mitigation plan, and public awareness of the increasing risk of urban park fires in the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation to hold hearings to examine the interdepartmental protocol, administered by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and the Office of Emergency Management, for urban-fire management in public parks and park adjacent neighborhoods, considering the recent unprecedented droughts and wildfires across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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