Defensible space, coupled with home hardening, is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides firefighters a safe area to work in, to defend your home.

Zone 0 : Ember Resistant Zone

Zone 1: Lean, Clean and Green Zone

Zone 2: Reduce Fuel Zone

Visit CAL FIRE's website  for complete descriptions of each zone and to download brochures and useful checklists to keep you, your home and your neighbor safe from a wildfire.

Developing a well-thought-out Wildfire Action Plan is crucial for every household. Tailor your plan to address specific family needs and situations, ensuring everyone is well-prepared ahead of a wildfire.

Written by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, this report covers the 2003 Cedar Fire and the lessons that were learned as a result of the disaster. 

Home ignition zones often overlap onto adjacent properties. This makes the conditions of neighboring homes and vegetation a part of the wildfire threat. It's extremely important that neighbors work collaboratively with each other (and talk with each other) to reduce their shared risk.

Firewise USA® is a voluntary program that provides a framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community.

Survivors of the catastrophic wildfire that burned through Paradise in 2018 draw from their experience and immense personal loss to warn us about what can happen if we don’t take action to protect ourselves and our homes.  The urgency of their message cuts deep.

Read the "A Firefighter's Concise Guide to Disaster Preparedness" written by a former Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District volunteer firefighter.  Tips in this guide will help you to prepare yourself, your home and your neighbors in the event of a disaster.

Be prepared in case of an emergency to keep you and your pets safe. Visit San Diego County Humane Society's Pet Disaster Preparedness Information webpage for tips and to download a checklist.

The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services offers free disaster plans and guides to help you help your pets and livestock.

Helpful tips to keep the four legged members of your family safe too.

Real Estate Inspections (AB-38

Burn Demo - Exterior Wall Fire Demonstration

Hardening Your Home

The Red Cross Older Adults Preparedness Checklist

The Red Cross Older Adult Disaster Preparedness Booklet