Get Fired Up
by Shana K. Wilson
photography by Vincent Knakal

Every year, fire is a force to be reckoned with in San Diego. During the wildfire season, especially, the heartbreak over loss of lives, injuries incurred, and loss of property takes its toll. That’s the bad news. The good news is there are many things homeowners can do to protect themselves from becoming fire victims. And it is vital to take steps before fire season begins, when firefighting forces are stretched to the limit.

The fire season is fueled by hot, dry, and windy weather. These conditions ease ignition; fuels burn rapidly and with great intensity. Because many homes in San Diego are adjacent to canyon or country terrain, it is important to clear the surrounding land of grass, weeds, and flammable plants. Homes on slopes are particularly vulnerable. Combustible construction, narrow roads, inadequate water supply, and insufficient fire-resistant landscaping also increase risk of significant damage due to fire.

“Most homeowners in Rancho Santa Fe don’t think enough about the possibility of wildfire here,” says Rancho Santa Fe fire chief Erwin Willis. “They don’t clear the vegetation near their homes, and one day we will have a wildfire.”

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department recommends creating two zones of landscape around the home, the closest zone extending a minimum of 40 feet from the building. Plants in this area should consist of irrigated, ornamental species. Prune plants and trees, retaining no more than ten percent of native, non-irrigated species. The second zone should extend a minimum of 60 feet further, or 100 feet from the structure. In this zone, reduce flammable vegetation to a minimum. Remove dead or dying material from non-irrigated native vegetation, and trim the lowest branches of trees and shrubs to three times higher than the vegetation below or to six feet above, whichever is higher. Completely remove any debris by cutting down or trimming plants from the area.

In addition to landscape, a home’s architectural design, as well as the materials used for construction, have an important fire safety impact. Experts state that homes built away from ridge tops and canyons are safer than those built above canyon slopes. Shingle or shake roofs are a fire danger, of course, but it is wise to use non-combustible materials for the entire exterior of the home. “The number one cause for loss of homes is a combustible roof,” says Willis. “If you have one, rip it off and replace it.”

Paint the address numbers on the curb in large, clear, reflective numbers. And it is a good idea to enclose the underside of decks, eaves, and balconies with fire-resistive material. Be certain to have fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in the house.

“We have a problem in Rancho Santa Fe because of privacy issues, with homes not having addresses clearly marked,” says Willis. “If there were to be a wildfire, most engines wouldn’t come from our station; they would come from other counties. Finding [specific addresses] would be difficult. Even now, if someone has a medical emergency, it is hard to find an address quickly, particularly when there are two or three driveways that are close together.”

In the event that evacuation becomes necessary, experts recommend developing an evacuation plan that includes a list of items to be packed in an emergency, so that under panic conditions, essential items are not overlooked. If possible, involve the children in the planning. Learn at least two routes out of the neighborhood.

Plan pet transport. Designate a friend or relative out of the area as a phone contact. And review the plan periodically so that all family members are familiar with it long before it is needed.

Essential to recovering from a disaster like fire is maintaining adequate homeowners insurance. The 2003 California wildfires left many families without homes and without the funds to rebuild, because they were underinsured. As real estate appreciates and the prices of building materials rise, the cost to replace a home will in many cases also rise.

Also, in regions such as California, if a loss occurs, homeowners have to adhere to certain regulations and building codes that drive up square footage costs. Current requirements, such as installed sprinkler systems or seismic reinforcements, add to the cost of replacement. In addition, when many homes in an area are destroyed, as was the case in 2003 when more than 3,700 homes were lost, the normal supply and demand market functions don’t apply. Shortage of building supplies and skilled labor drive up costs to rebuild — sometimes significantly.

Therefore, it is crucial to review fire insurance coverage with an agent on a periodic basis. As with all insurance, it is better to have it and not need it than the other way around. And the same can be said for advanced planning and developing an awareness of fire safety protection measures.

The Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas features a Firescape Demonstration Garden that has plants with low water needs and moderate-to-high fire resistance. The firescape garden shows how a landscape design can reduce the risk of wildfire damage to a home. The majority of the plant selection, some of which are shown on this and the previous page, is available at local nurseries. (760/436-3036, www.qbgardens.com)