Chief Baldwin highlighted that while Westport does not face the same conditions as California, such as sustained winds and mountainous terrain, the presence of significant underbrush and dry conditions increases the risk of fire. He recounted a specific incident involving improper ash disposal leading to a brush fire, illustrating how human actions can contribute to the risk. He also discussed the challenges of managing fires in rural agricultural communities like Westport, where numerous burning permits are issued each season.

The discussion included concerns about the town’s limited fire hydrant infrastructure, with only about 20% of the area having access to hydrants. This lack of accessibility complicates firefighting efforts, particularly in the south end of town, where ponds used for water retrieval have dried up or become overgrown. Chief Baldwin recommended mutual agreements with surrounding fire departments to ensure access to tankers in emergencies and emphasized the importance of public service announcements regarding fire safety.

In addition to fire prevention measures, the committee explored collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMD) to enhance their climate resilience efforts. The potential partnership aims to produce a comprehensive climate resilience report by leveraging the expertise of UMD faculty. The report will focus on resilience strategies rather than alarmist climate change projections, as emphasized by several committee members. They stressed that actionable steps, such as elevating low-lying evacuation routes, should be prioritized over debating specific climate change data.

Further discussions with UMD included engaging local students in resilience initiatives. The committee is also seeking to apply for a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant to fund a two-year community outreach and engagement campaign focused on resilience. This application is supported by local organizations and schools, which are expected to enhance its competitiveness.

Additionally, the committee announced successful applications for a barrier beach planning grant and a $7,500 grant from Bay Coast Bank. The barrier beach grant will fund baseline condition plans for beach areas, with public engagement processes scheduled to begin soon. The Bay Coast Bank grant will support the development of the committee’s climate resilience report, providing flexibility in project deliverables.