MAP OF WILDFIRE THREATS RELEASED AS COUNTY SHARES INFO ON PREPARING FOR FIRE SEASON
June 17,2011 (San Diego) -- County Supervisors and public safety officials kicked off Defensible Space Days last week by urging residents to give their homes a fighting chance against wildfires by creating a 100-foot buffer zone. The map below shows areas most likely to have a major wildfire—including a significant section of East County.
“We lost thousands of homes in the 2003 and 2007 firestorms and learned that homes with defensible space are far more likely to survive than homes without it. As we head into the hot, dry conditions of summer and fall, it’s imperative that residents get rid of fire hazards on their properties,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob.
Supervisor Pam Slater-Price added, “Wildfires can affect any area in our county, even urban and suburban areas, where many homes border canyons and open space. We need full participation.”
Defensible space is area around the home where plants and trees are maintained to prevent fire from spreading quickly, and ignitable items such as firewood and patio furniture are placed away from the home.
Last Saturday and Sunday, participating fire agencies and community safety groups reinforced their efforts to inspect properties and educate homeowners on defensible space techniques, including what is required by law and local code.
San Diego County Fire Authority Chief and CAL FIRE Unit Chief Howard Windsor provided examples at the home of a Lakeside resident, who saw firsthand how proper maintenance protected his house as flames swept through his neighborhood during the 2003 firestorm.
“These techniques not only protect the home, but it creates a safe area for our local firefighters to do their jobs,” said Windsor.
Defensible Space Days are sponsored by the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, San Diego County Fire Authority, CAL FIRE and the Regional Fire Advisory Committee. Other participating agencies include: Lakeside, Deer Springs, Bonita Sunnyside, San Miguel, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Vista, Rural, Julian, Pine Valley, Valley Center, Elfin Forest, Fire Safe Council of San Diego County and several Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). For more information, visit www.ReadySanDiego.org.