From the National Fire Protection Association and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department: San Diego’s fire season is year-round. We are experiencing one of the driest periods in state history. It’s important that every resident prepare their home and their family for the possibility of a major fire. To increase your fire safety and home’s survivability, make simple low-cost changes to your home and landscape starting today.
Action Items to Improve Your Home’s Survivability:
- REMOVE leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home.
- SCREEN areas below decks and porches with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent material from accumulating underneath.
- COVER exterior attic and soffit vents with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent sparks from entering your home.
- ENCLOSE eaves to help prevent ember entry.
- INSPECT shingles or roof tiles.
- REPLACE missing shingles or tiles.
- COVER ends of tiles with bird stops or cement to help prevent ember penetration during a wildfire.
Tips for Landscaping Around Your Home:
- REMOVE dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of the home.
- KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to help reduce fire intensity.
- PRUNE tree limbs so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground to help reduce the chance of fire getting into the crowns of the trees.
- MOVE construction material, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the home and other outbuildings.
- DISPOSE of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings that you have cut to reduce fuel for fire.
For more fire safety information, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/safety
