For information about current emergencies in San Diego County visit the San Diego County Emergency Homepage

Defensible Space

California state law requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes and structures. Proper management of defensible space dramatically increases the chance of a home surviving a wildfire and provides for firefighter safety as they defend structures. Clearing defensible space does not mean surrounding homes and structures with rings of bare soil or concrete. Instead, there are guidelines for thinning existing vegetation and maintaining different vegetation densities depending on the type of plant and its proximity to structures.

Please visit the following links for more information about the 100' Defensible Space Guidelines and Resources :

California General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space

City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

County of San Diego Department of Planning and Land Use

City of San Diego Brush Mangaement Regulations

Defensible Space and Danger Spots

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

With the enactment of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) in 2003, the idea of a community-based forest planning and fuel reduction prioritization document was formed.  This landmark legislation includes the first meaningful statutory incentive for the US Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to give consideration to prioritized fuel reduction projects identified by local communities.  In order for a community to take advantage of this opportunity, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) must be prepared.

The CWPP addresses issues such as wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness, and structure protection.  It is intended to be a living document and changes are expected as the needs in a community change and evolve. 

The process of developing a CWPP can help a community identify and clarify priorities for the protection of life, property, and critical infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).  The WUI zone poses a tremendous risk to life, property and infrastructure and is one of the most dangerous and complicated situations a fire-fighter faces.

Combined, the HFRA and the CWPP emphasize the need for federal, state and local agencies to work collaboratively with communities in developing hazardous fuel reduction projects, and place priority on treatment areas identified by the communities themselves in a CWPP.  The CWPP also has the ability to influence where and how federal agencies implement fuel reduction projects on federal lands, as well as how additional federal funds may be distributed for projects on nonfederal lands.

The Role of CWPPs: The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 provides communities with a tremendous opportunity to influence where and how agencies implement fuel reduction projects on federal or private lands.  A CWPP is the most effective way to take advantage of this opportunity.   Local wildfire protection plans can take a variety of forms, based on the needs of those involved in their development.  They can be as simple or complex as a community desires.

The Benefits of a CWPP: By mobilizing your community to protect lives property, structures and community livelihoods your CWPP can influence policy makers on how to best mitigate losses to wildfire.

Click here fore the CWPP Briefing Paper

Click here for the CWPP Hnadbook

You can also find more information at the Society of American Foresters Website

Landscaping

Fire-wise Gardening Zones

To create a fire-safe landscape, the primary goal is fuel reduction. Landscape using the fire-wise gardening “zone” concept, which is similar to the hydro zoning approach to water-wise gardening. Fire-wise zone 1 is the area closest to your home and other structures. Fire-wise zones 2 and 3 are located progressively further away.

• Zone 1. This well-irrigated area encircles the structure for at least 30 feet on all sides, providing a defensible space for fire suppression equipment in the event of an emergency. In high fire risk areas, like canyons and ridge lines, this zone increases to 150 feet, especially on the downhill side of lots. Plantings should be limited to carefully spaced fire-resistant species. Trees and shrubs should be no closer than 15 feet, and trees should be spaced at least 30 feet (or 3 times their diameter) apart at maturity. Trees over 18 feet tall should pruned to remove all limbs within 6 feet of the ground, trees under 18 feet should be pruned to 1/3 their height. All trees should be trimmed to keep at least 10 feet away from roof or chimneys. Shrubs should be no higher than 18 inches. All loose debris should be removed on a regular basis.

• Zone 2. This zone extends at least 20 feet beyond Zone 1 and plants should generally be low-growing, fire-resistant species and the irrigation system should extend into this section. Any trees or shrubs should be spaced at least 10 feet apart and trees over 18 feet tall should pruned to remove all limbs within 6 feet of the ground, trees and shrubs under 18 feet should be pruned to 1/3 their height. All loose debris should be removed on a regular basis.

• Zone 3. This furthest zone extends at least 50’ feet beyond Zone 2 and
is a slightly modified natural area. Thin selectively here, and remove highly flammable vegetation and all loose debris on a regular basis.

Plant Selection

Things gardeners should consider when choosing plants for a fire-safe
landscape.
• Local area fire history
• Site location and overall terrain
• Prevailing winds and seasonal weather
• Property contours and boundaries
• Native vegetation
• Plant characteristics and placement (water and salt
retention ability, aromatic oils, fuel load per area, and size)
• Irrigation requirements

For more resources, visit the following websites:

San Diego Master Gardeners

California Native Plant Society

US Department of Agriculture California Natural Resources Conservation Service

Cultivate a Fire Safe Landscaping

Improper landscaping around homes in wildfire areas of San Diego County is worrisome because it can greatly increase the risk of fire damage, The amount of defensible space around a home is directly related to a home’s ability to survive wildfire. Removal of grasses. brush, trees and other common fuels improves the odds that the structure will survive.

State and Federal fire officials offer the following guidance:

Grasses: Mow grasses in low areas close to the house, garage, outbuildings, decks and trees with low growing branches. You can gradually increase the height of grass that grows farther from these places, but it should be no higher than eight inches.

Wildflowers: Tall, dense patches of wildflowers can be powerful fuel for fires, particularly when the flowers are in the dormant stage. Plant wildflowers in widely separated beds. The beds should be separated by gravel walkways, rock retaining walls or low grass areas. Do not place flowers near structures, unless beds are frequently irrigate and promptly removed when they become dormant.

Shrubs: Shrubs in wildland fires can serve as “ladder fuels,” enabling fire to travel from ground into shrubs and from there to trees. Low-growing, non resinous varieties of shrubs should be planted in small clumps away from each other and away from trees. Do not place them directly beneath windows or vents or where they might spread under wooden decks.

Trees: Trees can be a significant source of fire brands and, when burning can ignite nearby shrubs, trees or structures. Consult with local plant specialist on the trees to plant in your area. When planting trees, do not place them near structures and allow plenty of room between trees.

Fire-Wise Gardening Methods

• Choose the right irrigation system. While all plants will eventually burn, healthy green plants burn less quickly. Your plant selection and water availability will determine the right system for you.

• Consider drip irrigation for watering most of your landscape. It’s effective and conserves water because it targets where the water goes and how much gets there.

• Use sprinklers for lawns or turf landscaping. Drip irrigation does not work well on lawns. Sprinklers on timers ensure your lawn is getting the right amount of water to keep it healthy and fire resistant.

Maintain Your Fire-Wise Garden

• Maintain a well-pruned and watered landscape to serve as a green belt and protection against fire.

• Keep plants healthy, clean and green during the dry season and use supplemental irrigation, as necessary.

• On a regular basis, remove dead branches, leaves and pine needles from your yard. These can serve as added fuel to a fire.

• Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100 feet surrounding your home. Prune and thin shrubs, trees and other plants regularly to minimize the fuel load.

• Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home. Never stack firewood next to your home

• Involve your gardener. If a gardener cares for your property, ask him or her to include these regular maintenance steps as part of the routine service.

• Compost your yard and garden wastes and use compost and mulch around plants, in planting beds and along walkways. Grass recycling is another way to save time and money.

• Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

• Locate LNG (liquefied Natural Gas) tanks (butane and propane) at least 30 feet from any structure and surround them with 10 feet of clearance.

• No matter where you live, always install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long- life smoke alarms.

Local Firewise Gardening Resources:

The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College has a firewise exhibit to demonstrate how you can make your home and landscape safer from devastating wildfires.

Quail Botanical Gardens has a Landscape for Fire Safety exhibit that demonstrates fire-safe landscape plants, design, and maintenance practices.

Elfin Forest also has an award winning fire-wise garden.

Disaster Planning

The following information is provided as a reference only. Individuals must make personal choices about when and how to safely evacuate by considering all of the circumstances in a given situation.

Family Disaster Plan

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confined you to your home. What would you do if basic services-water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
 
Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

You can download a Family Disaster Plan and Personal Survival Guide at the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services Website.

Make a list of items you want to take with you during an evacuation. Here’s an example, but prepare your own list.
 
* Prescriptions, medications
* Eyeglasses
* Important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, personal phone and address books, tax records, personal finance floppy discs, children’s school records, inoculation & vaccination records, photos)
* Pet, pet food, leash, carrier
* Child's favorite toy
*Keep your “Important Stuff” list handy
*Keep sturdy boxes ready for collecting things on your list
*Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

When fire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit that includes items you’ll need if you have to evacuate. Store them in easy to carry containers, such as back packs, plastic crates, etc. 

* A three day water supply (1 gallon per person per day)
* A three day food supply that won’t spoil and a way to open it
* One change of clothing and shoes per person
* One blanket or sleeping bag per person
* A first aid kit that includes family prescriptions
* Spare eyeglasses
* Emergency tools
* Battery powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
* Extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or travelers checks
* Toiletries
* Special items for infants, elderly and or disabled
* Pet transport carrier and leash and food and water for 3 days
* Sunglasses and goggles
* Work gloves
*If possible, involve your children in the planning-let them feel they are part of the process.
*Review and update your “Important Stuff” list & Emergency Supply Kit periodically.
*Learn alternate ways out of your neighborhood, in case the usual way becomes blocked.
*Plan how you will transport your pet-get a transport cage if possible.
*If you have large animals, learn how to prepare. Call your local Department of Animal Services or Humane Society.
*Designate a relative or friend as an out of the area contact though whom family members can relay information. Long distance phone systems often work while local communications are over loaded.
*You may not be home when wild fire threatens. Make arrangements in advance, for persons or pets that will be home when you are not. 

 A Pre-arranged Meeting Place... 

And just as you should have a place to meet outside your home, to be sure everyone’s out, your evacuation plan should consider alternate routes out of your neighborhood, in case the usual one becomes blocked.

When local phones are disrupted in a disaster, long distance lines are often still functioning. It’s wise to prearrange with a distant relative or friend to call them in a local disaster to let family members know you are OK.

If you let that distant contact know that your family has evacuated and is safe, other distant family members (who know the plan in advance) can check in with her too, and learn where you are and that you are OK. (This long-distance communication “family check-in” plan also works in an earthquake.) And that Disaster Kit you’ve assembled will also serve well in an earthquake or other disaster.

For more disaster preparedness resources visit the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

Community Protection and Evacuation Plan (CPEP) development assistance is also available through the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

Grants

Resources for Community Fire Safe Councils seeking grants:

Fire Safe California Grants Clearinghouse

The San Diego Foundation

County of San Diego Office of Resource Development

Grant Writing Specialists

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