The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, in partnership with Fire Safe San Mateo County, is working together on a joint Escape Route Project located in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Palo Alto and Portola Valley. The proposed project runs along the northern shared border of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The implementation of this project will be completed in multiple phases and serve to enhance fire resiliency by reducing vegetation in the corridor and improving the functionality of the escape route during an evacuation. In addition, this will also reduce the risk of a roadside fire escaping into the wildland, as well as add strength to Santa Clara County’s and San Mateo County’s developing Escape Routes system. The project would also provide opportunities to protect the Los Trancos Creek watershed from future intense wildfires. Additionally, reducing competition in the understory and treating hazardous trees where feasible will create a healthier, more resilient forest and natural habitat.
When
Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. The project duration of the first phase will depend on several factors, including the availability of contractors and partners, and potential weather delays.
Where
The first phase of the project will primarily take place in the right-of-way at the intersection of Los Trancos Road and Alpine Road in Portola Valley and continue for approximately 1.1 miles, ending at the border of Palo Alto and Portola Valley. Hazard tree removal will also take place at the intersection of Los Trancos Road and Firethorn Way, and along Ramona Road.
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