Napa Valley Grapegrowers Funds 24/7 Early Fire Detection Sensors for the Community

Photo by Emma K Morris

NVG will carry forward a fire detection initiative, funding three early detection sensors for the month of September on Atlas Peak, Clover Flat, and Diamond Mountain with 24/7 monitoring to protect Napa County residents and businesses from wildfires.
 
The Illumination Technologies (ITC) state of the art “IQ FireWatch sensors” triangulate locations of potential fire threats including identifying specific parcel numbers in Napa County. This program was initiated in 2021, funded by Napa County. However, without the passing of Measure L, the service could no longer be maintained through public funds. Through the generosity of local grape growers, the sensors have continued to protect the community through the month of August. NVG will be taking on fiscal responsibility for the service through the month of September, at the peak of harvest and Napa County’s fire season—and in some of the County’s highest fire-risk areas.

“When we realized the service was at risk of shutting down, NVG leadership sprung into action to ensure the sensors stayed on. Early detection is a valuable tool in the toolbox when it comes to protecting the entire community from the wildfires like we’ve experienced over the last several years. We’re proud to carry this community-first, collaborative initiative forward,” said Tom Davies, who sits on NVG’s Board of Directors, Industry Issues Committee, and Wildfire Task Force.
 
As part of this initiative, NVG also commits to working with industry and community partners during the month of September and onward to implement a long-term plan for maintaining ongoing early detection services and expanding coverage to more areas throughout the County. 
 
NVG would like to recognize the incredible generosity and stewardship of Caymus Vineyards and Circle R Ranch & Vineyards for their individual contributions that allowed the ITC service to remain in place through August in service to the entire community.
 
In addition to this initiative, the NVG Wildfire Task Force is engaged with several other projects including:

• NVG’s Smoke Exposure Data Benchmarking Project in partnership with ETS Labs; ETS Labs’ latest findings will be presented at this year’s ROOTSTOCK symposium on November 18
• Advancing Napa County’s Ag Pass Program to ensure a safe, at-the-ready program in partnership with the Napa County Ag Commissioner and industry partners
• Ongoing education on fuel load reduction and fire safety
• Aiding members in recovery and access to critical Emergency Relief Program (ERP) disaster assistance

For more information, NVG members can access a complete library of Wildfire Resources on NVG’s website.