By Karen Pearlman

September 11, 2025 (San Diego County) -- San Miguel Fire Consolidated Protection District is taking the lead in challenging a San Diego County Civil Grand Jury report released earlier this year that recommends consolidation of fire protection districts around San Diego County, and recommending that “willing” districts become part of the San Diego County Fire Protection District. The goal is to improve fire protection services.

San Miguel Fire Chief Andy Lawler is pushing back against a narrative that recommends standalone fire districts like his become part of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). Alpine Fire also aims to stay independent, while some other districts have already relinquished local control, in most cases voluntarily though one community fought consolidation in court.