I’ve received many questions this week regarding San Diego County’s preparedness for a major wildfire event. I want to assure you that we have taken significant steps to ensure we are ready to protect our residents. Following the devastating fires of 2003 and 2007, we learned valuable lessons, and during my six years on the Board of Supervisors, I have made fire safety a top priority.

Here’s what we’ve done:

*Enhanced Aerial Firefighting: In 2022, we invested $16 million in a twin-engine firefighting helicopter, capable of flying at night, bringing cutting-edge technology to our fire response capabilities. We also acquired a helitanker, in partnership with SDG&E, to provide additional aerial firefighting support.

*Heli-Hydrants: We've implemented Heli-Hydrants in unincorporated areas, significantly improving our aerial water access for faster response.
Brush Management: We've expanded our hazardous fuel reduction program with a $2.6 million investment, focusing on clearing hazardous vegetation to reduce fire risk.

*Pre-Fire Strategy and Evacuation: We've initiated proactive strategies to ensure safe evacuation plans are in place before disasters strike.

*Roadside Vegetation Management: We've prioritized vegetation management along major evacuation corridors to ensure clear and safe escape routes during emergencies.

*Increased Funding for Fire Protection: We've directed additional funding to the Valley Center and Deer Springs Fire Protection Districts, along with increased support for CalFire, ensuring more resources and personnel to protect our communities.

San Diego County is well prepared, and that starts with our unwavering commitment to proactive fire safety strategies. What we are witnessing in Los Angeles is a tragic result of reckless overregulation and failed policies playing out in real-time — leaving families vulnerable and homes unprotected. While we can’t control the Santa Ana winds, we will do our best to keep San Diego safe.

Our focus remains on proactive measures, community safety, and equipping our first responders with the tools and resources they need to keep us safe.