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East County News Service$250,000 in grants awarded to 24 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region
June 6, 2024 (San Diego) – Last Thursday, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation announced it will be funding 24 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) with grants totaling $250,000 to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer. The announcement was made during the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 17th Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, which recognized several outstanding individuals and agencies for their significant contributions to fostering fire-safe and resilient communities.
Fire Safe Councils are community-led, volunteer-based organizations dedicated to protecting homes and communities from wildfires. FSCs support their communities through various activities including fire-hardening homes, removing flammable plantings, hosting vegetation chipping events, installing reflective address signage, and educating and assisting neighbors with emergency preparedness.
“We support the operations of 41 community Fire Safe Councils in San Diego County and are delighted to celebrate these organizations and their incredible volunteers by acknowledging their efforts through the following volunteer awards and grants.” said Ann Baldridge, Vice President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County. - 2024 Outstanding FSC: Julian Fire Safe Council
- 2024 FSC Volunteer of the Year: Sarah Lifton, Olivenhain Fire Safe Council
- 2024 Project of the Year: Alvarado Estates Fire Safe Council
- 2024 Innovation Award: University City Fire Safe Council
- 2024 Outstanding Educator: Thomas Shoots, Fire Captain, CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire, Community Risk Reduction
“I would also like to recognize and thank the California Fire Safe Council and the Frantz Law Group who have provided funding for this event”, added Baldridge.
For 35 years, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation has been the only fire foundation supporting all of San Diego County. “We are proud to help fund the FSCs’ fire preparedness efforts, without which our communities and residents would be at greater danger from the devastating impact of wildfires. We are grateful to our generous major donors: the San Diego River Conservancy, San Diego Gas & Electric, and the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County for joining us in funding the work of the Fire Safe Councils,” said Joan Jones, Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation. “The work done by local Fire Safe Councils to prevent wildfires is essential to help keeping our local rivers healthy, protecting wildlife, native habitats, and providing recreational opportunities for all our residents.” said Julia Richards, Executive Officer of the San Diego River Conservancy.
“At SDG&E, the safety of our customers, employees, and the communities we serve is our highest priority,” said Brian D’Agostino, Vice President of Wildfire and Climate Science. “Our commitment to wildfire prevention and preparedness is central to our mission of supplying clean, safe, and reliable energy. Recognizing that preparedness is a collaborative effort, we support Fire Safe Councils through SDG&E’s SAFE San Diego Grant Program to meet community-specific needs with the necessary information and resources to help prevent and prepare for wildfires.”
The following Fire Safe Councils are receiving a grant award from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation:
1. Alpine / Viejas
2. Alvarado Estates
3. Campo / Lake Morena
4. Chula Vista
5. Crest
6. Cuyamaca Woods
7. Eucalyptus Hills
8. Fallbrook
9. Jamul
10. Julian
11. Kensington
12. Lakeside / San Diego Audubon Society
13. Los Tules at Warner Springs
14. Mt. Laguna
15. Olivenhain
16. Palomar Mountain
17. Potrero / Tecate
18. Poway
19. Ramona West End
20. Real East County
21. Southwest Escondido
22. University City
23. Via Crest
24. Wynola Estates
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