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87 <br /> <br />5.3.9 FIRE FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKES <br /> <br />Earthquakes are often responsible for igniting fires which can contribute to a <br />considerable share of the overall damage in a disaster. The fires can start from a <br />variety of sources: appliances with natural gas pilot lights may tip, damaged <br />electrical equipment may spark, and gas line connections may break. Recently in the <br />South Napa Earthquake a number of mobile homes were destroyed and damaged <br />when the gas connection to a home broke. In the Loma Prieta Earthquake, 36 fires <br />broke out in San Francisco alone, but luckily were contained quickly in large part <br />due to the abnormally calm wind that evening, and the fires’ proximity to the bay <br />which allowed a fire boat to pump water to the fire where the water lines had failed. <br />In the 1906 earthquake over 3.5 square miles of San Francisco burned, representing <br />80% of San Francisco’s property value at the time. <br /> <br />Fire following earthquake is especially sensitive because there are often multiple <br />ignitions at once (overwhelming fire crews), typical water supply for fighting fire <br />may be reduced or unavailable, and maneuvering fire crews to the ignition can be <br />difficult if streets are blocked by road damage or by debris. Fire following <br />earthquake is an issue that could impact any Bay Area community that experiences <br />an earthquake – both urban and rural. The problem is heightened for urban <br />environments, where many simultaneous ignitions can lead to a firestorm, and <br />single fires can more quickly and easily move structure to structure. <br /> <br />A few characteristics can make a specific community more vulnerable to fire <br />following earthquake. If there is a higher likelihood of building damage, there is also <br />a higher likelihood that an ignition occurs. If a building collapses, there is a high risk <br />for gas or electrical lines to start “seed” fires that then impact undamaged <br />neighboring structures. Areas of liquefaction are more vulnerable to fire because of <br />the greater potential for underground gas mains to break due to the ground <br />displacements, and because the water lines in the area may also be damaged – <br />preventing the ability to fight a fire with regular water resources. Areas that are <br />largely wood frame or shingle roof may be less prone to earthquake damage, but are <br />a heightened risk for the spread of fires. There is added concern in areas with <br />hazardous materials with the potential for explosion, or with the potential to <br />produce toxic smoke. Industrial facilities and labs are a high concern because of the <br />hazardous and flammable materials they store at their facilities. <br /> <br />PAST OCCURANCE AND POTENTIAL FOR OCCURANCE: <br />San Leandro has no historical occurrences of large multistructure or multi acre fires <br />in the city. San Leandro has a large industrial area, mostly centered in the western <br />portion of the city. The businesses in this area include manufacturing, waste <br />management, and food supply to name just a few. Some of the businesses in San <br />Leandro deal directly with hazardous materials. The emergency services specialist <br />for the City, works closely with businesses that house hazardous materials and <br />confirms that each business has an emergency management plans that includes <br />earthquake and fire as one of their potential dangers. San Leandro’s biggest concern <br />126