Photo: NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
San Diego County’s mix of dry brush, canyons and seasonal Santa Ana winds makes wildfire a year-round concern. The Cedar Fire of 2003 and the fires of October 2007, including the Witch Fire, were among the most destructive in California history. Most of what protects a household is done well before a fire starts.
Sign up for alerts
AlertSanDiego, the county’s emergency notification system, sends alerts to cell phones and email for the address you register. The SD Emergency app shows evacuation orders, shelters and road closures. Wireless Emergency Alerts reach phones automatically.
Know your zone
The county uses evacuation zones so officials can issue orders by area. Look up your zone in advance and know at least two ways out of your neighborhood.
Create defensible space
California law requires property owners in many fire hazard areas to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. The first five feet, sometimes called the ember-resistant zone, matter most: remove dry leaves, bark mulch and anything flammable next to the house. Clean gutters and roofs, and trim trees away from chimneys.
Ready, Set, Go
- Ready: prepare your home and a family plan.
- Set: when fire is nearby, pack the car, close windows and doors and stay alert.
- Go: leave early when told, or sooner if you feel unsafe.
Pack a go-bag
Include water, medications, copies of documents, phone chargers, masks rated N95 for smoke, a change of clothes and supplies for pets.
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