San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, along with the fire department and nearly a hundred volunteers, gathered at Danna Rock Park on the morning of April 25th to clear vegetation and reduce wildfire risks before the fire season.
The event took place at Danna Rock Park in the South San Jose area at 9 a.m. Mayor Matt Mahan, Fire Chief Robert Sapien, a representative from the California Volunteers organization, and community residents worked together to reduce flammable materials and lower the risk of fire spreading by clearing dry weeds and increasing the height of tree bases. This activity is part of a series of community fire prevention initiatives promoted by the city government.
In his speech, Mayor Mahan mentioned that this initiative was sparked by the community’s concern following the severe wildfires in the Los Angeles area in 2025. At that time, community member Pastor Finny Abraham proposed taking practical actions to decrease the city’s fire risks. The city government collaborated with the community to clear vegetation and establish firebreaks near elderly residential facilities last year, continuing these efforts this year. Mayor Mahan noted that besides reducing risks, the activity also helps foster community connections and encourages residents to participate in public affairs.
Fire Chief Robert Sapien, in an interview, explained that California’s vegetation shows significant seasonal patterns, flourishing after winter rains and then gradually drying out in spring and summer, becoming highly flammable. Under high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, the risk of fires significantly increases. Hence, clearing vegetation before the fire season is crucial. He emphasized that wildfires can occur not only in remote areas but also on the outskirts of cities and even in valley communities, posing threats to residences.
During this event, volunteers from the community were divided into groups to work on slopes, using tools to clear weeds and low-lying vegetation. The fire department provided safety instructions, reminding participants to be cautious while working on slopes, maintain a safe distance, and use tools carefully to prevent injuries.
A representative of the California Volunteers organization mentioned that the organization provides financial support to promote various community service projects throughout the city, including this fire prevention initiative. The city government indicated that similar cleanup activities will continue to be carried out in different parks and communities to enhance overall fire prevention capabilities.
Over the past three years, more than 5,000 volunteers in San Jose have participated in activities such as cleaning, tree planting, and community beautification. The city government stated that through residents’ participation and interdepartmental cooperation, proactive measures can be taken to strengthen prevention and enhance community safety.