An in-depth look at wildfire preparedness and those who stand in harm’s way

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

Photo:  flames race up hillside off Highway 94 in Dulzura

June 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- As the longer, warmer days of summer approach, San Diego braces for an all too familiar phenomenon: wildfire. According to Cal Fire, eastern San Diego County experiences an average of 192 wildland vegetation fires per year, burning 5,843 acres -- and that number is increasing with each new season. Thankfully, 95% of these incidents are contained at 10 acres or less, a target that local and state fire agencies strive to uphold. The thought of wildfire often strikes fear in the hearts of those who live in our backcountry and urban interface, where rural areas meet urban ones. This zone grows larger every year, as San Diegans build further and further into the eastern parts of the county.

Story & photos by Josh Stotler

May 3, 2023 (San Diego) - As the State of California kicks off wildfire preparedness week, San Diego County firefighters are also gearing up for what is forecasted to be one of the worst fire seasons on record, a trend that fire authorities know all too well. The 2023 Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise took place May 1st through 3rd. This extensive training event celebrated its 20th evolution this year and has provided thousands of firefighters and fire officers with crucial real-world training in wildland firefighting.

By James Kecskes, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 10, 2019 (San Diego) - CAL FIRE and the County Fire Authority say don’t let the rainy weather fool you … fire season will be here before you know it. You should have a plan and be prepared now to protect yourself, your home and your community.

Learn more at readysandiego.org.

By Chris Whipple

July 12, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - Living in the back country provides many people a little bit of paradise that could never be found in a city.   Unfortunately, the worry about wildfires have caused lifetime residents to view their homes in the new light of "defensible space,” "insurance" and "preparedness.”  This is first of two articles to allow families to have "peace-of-mind" if disaster should strike. 

June 2, 2013 (Alpine)--Alpine Sheriff's Station will host a free community meeting for homeowners on how to prepare your homes and families for wildfire. The event will be held Monday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine.  A severe fire season is anticipated due to drought, so authorities urge residents to learn how to reduce risk of loss and help firefighters protect your properties before the next major wildfire occurs.

Guest Speakers will include:

Residents Urged to Clear Defensible Space, Plan for Family Readiness

May 22, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – California has already seen 1,569 wildfires this year, about 500 more fires compared to the same period last year and 85 percent more fires than in an average year. With the long, hot and dangerous summer a real possibility, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and public safety officials today urged residents to protect their homes against wildfires by creating a 100-foot buffer zone.

“Now is the time to prepare for what is shaping up as a tougher-than-usual fire season,” said Supervisor Jacob. “The firestorms of 2003 and 2007 taught us that homes with defensible space are far more likely to survive than homes without it.”