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Hazard Overview
Hazard Overview
Wildfire season for San Diego and Imperial Counties typically occurs between May and November, with peak months projected to happen in May and June. It's important to note that despite thorough analysis by professionals in the field, fires can occur at any time and residents should always be prepared if one were to happen in their vicinity!
On this page, we help break down different words you might hear and help you understand what they mean, and give you a one-stop shop for wildfire awareness with the map below!
Additional preparedness tips can be found in the dropdown menus at the bottom of the page.
Wildfire Map
Wildfire Map
Please see the map below for ongoing wildfires in your area.
Evacuation Order vs Warning
Evacuation Order vs Warning
An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property. The threat to life is not yet imminent. The warning is designed to allow people additional time to evacuate. Be sure to have a plan!
County of San Diego: Make a Plan Booklets
An evacuation order means there is an immediate threat to life. It's a lawful order to leave the area right away. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
When an evacuation warning is issued, those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now. If you feel unsafe, do not wait for an evacuation order, leave immediately.
Air Quality Alerts
Air Quality Alerts
California is facing increasingly catastrophic wildfire seasons. Wildfire smoke – a complex mixture of air pollutants – is unhealthy to breathe and can be especially dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. These sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches levels considered ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ or above. Even healthy people may experience symptoms in smoky conditions or after exposure. Pets also can be affected by unhealthy air and should be brought indoors, if possible.
More Information About Air Quality and How to be Prepared
Wildfire Preparedness Tips
Wildfire Preparedness Tips
Preparedness
Preparedness
Before a wildfire threatens your area, prepare in and around your home by:
Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of your house.
Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, etc.) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.
Wildfires can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8th of an inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
Create an emergency plan.
Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications, and personal identification.
Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.
Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a safe meeting place.
Wildfire Preparedness Campaigns
Wildfire Preparedness Campaigns
Because of the number of wildfires that spread through California's communities, a significant amount of emphasis is placed on wildfire preparedness and evacuation preparation. May is typically a good time to begin planning, as wildfires can start shortly after.
Please see below for some resources provided by government officials to stay notified and prepared this year!
On May 5th, 2024, Governor Newsom declared the May 5 - May 11 to be Wildfire Preparedness week here in California. In Northern California, peak fire season begins in the early summer (June-July) and runs until late fall, varying year to year. In Southern California, the peak fire season begins in late spring (May-June) and runs until fall.
Click here for the full proclamation.
Additionally, May is also National Wildfire Awareness Month, as designated by the US Department of Homeland Security. During this time, individuals, communities, and businesses are encouraged to begin discussing and developing their preparation plans for wildfires.
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