TUD Advances Wildfire Defense with New Fire Water Draft Points Initiative by Tuolumne Utilities District Oct 8, 2025 Member Submitted News Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is proud to announce progress in its ongoing Fire Water Draft Points Initiative, marking an important step in expanding Tuolumne County’s wildfire defense capabilities. The addition of four new fire water draft points—specially designated locations along untreated (raw) water conveyance systems such as ditches or reservoirs—gives firefighters improved access to raw water for suppression activities, particularly in remote areas. This approach allows emergency responders to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources more effectively, while also conserving the community’s potable water supplies for essential needs during wildfire events and other emergencies. “The Tuolumne Fire District would like to recognize Tuolumne Utilities District in their continued efforts to improve the water supply in the County with the addition of the new drafting points that have been installed for firefighting purposes. They will be vital in reducing the refill time for the fire apparatus and water tenders during an incident and reducing the impact to many potable water systems,” said Jeff Santi, Fire Chief of Tuolumne Fire District. This innovative approach aims to conserve the community’s potable water supplies for essential needs during wildfire events and other emergencies, while maximizing the use of gravity-fed, non-potable water for fire response. The Fire Water Draft Points Initiative is a cornerstone of the newly adopted TUD Wildfire Defense Plan, a comprehensive strategy made possible through a $249,927 USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant. The plan, unanimously approved by the TUD Board of Directors, identified a total of 49 strategic raw water draft point locations throughout the district’s system, designed to increase water availability for fire suppression, reduce demand on potable water systems, and enhance emergency response capabilities. Nick Casci, Unit Chief of the CAL FIRE Tuolumne – Calaveras Unit, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “The CAL FIRE Tuolumne – Calaveras Unit would like to acknowledge the effort put in by Tuolumne Utilities District to establish water drafting points that aid in rural water supply for firefighting. These drafting points allow for fire department resources to have easier access to the water supply needed should a fire occur in the area. The community planning and communication in support of all agencies show the progressive steps taken to help mitigate unwanted fires.” Building on that collaboration, Fire Chief Neil Games of the Twain Harte Fire Department said, “Adding these new firewater draft points is a critical step forward in strengthening our wildfire response capabilities. This project reflects the power of collaboration between TUD and local, state, and federal fire agencies, and we’re proud to have been a part of it. Reliable access to water in key locations will make a meaningful difference in protecting our communities.” The success of the initiative is the result of strong partnerships with the Twain Harte Community Services District Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Tuolumne City Fire, and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Their expertise in site identification, logistical coordination, and on-the-ground input has been critical to the program’s development and implementation. Kevin Day, Chairman of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, shared: “The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is proud to support Tuolumne Utilities District’s efforts in advancing wildfire resilience for our community. The addition of new fire water draft points represents not only a critical investment in safety, but also a model of collaboration between local agencies. Together, we are strengthening our ability to respond to wildfire and protect the lands and communities we all care deeply about.” With the TUD Wildfire Defense Plan now officially adopted, TUD is actively pursuing additional grant funding to further expand the Fire Water Draft Points Initiative by installing draft points at the remaining strategic locations, and ensure continued implementation of wildfire mitigation strategies. These efforts underscore our commitment to making Tuolumne County safer and more resilient in the face of wildfire threats and other emergencies. TUD Board President and project champion, Ron Ringen, stated, “This initiative is the result of dedicated teamwork and vision across our community. By expanding access to fire water draft points, we are not only strengthening our wildfire response capabilities but also preserving the vital resources our residents depend on.”
