By Scott Sherman
As dry and warm weather returns, public safety officials are bracing for an already active wildfire season in the San Diego Region. Wildfires are not a new threat, but it is important to continue weaving wildfire prevention and education into the fabric of San Diego’s culture. An educational exhibit, recently opened at the Mission Trails Regional Park visitor’s center, is a good example of making wildfire education a part of San Diegans’ everyday life.
Unfortunately, San Diego has a long history of wildfires. I remember first-hand the devastation and impact of the Cedar Fire in 2003 that destroyed over 2,000 homes and killed 14 people. I was nearly a victim myself.
When the fires began, I drove to an area near Harbison Canyon in East County to rescue horses that were in the path of the fire. Unfortunately, when I arrived, all of the horse trailers were already gone. As a result, I was forced to ride out on my horse while holding a rope trailing three other horses to a shelter a few miles down the road.
I can still remember my fear as I watched the fast approaching flames coming down the mountain, and the loud boom of exploding propane tanks in the nearby community of Crest. Thankfully, the four horses and I were lucky enough to make it out that day. Though memorable, it is something I never want to experience again.
Stories like this are surprisingly common among San Diegans, especially after the nearly equally devastating Witch Creek Fire in 2007. Through these tragedies, we have learned valuable lessons about not only about how to fight wildfires, but also how to prevent them from spreading.
The most important tool to fighting fires isn’t firetrucks or hoses–it’s education. Learning how these fires start and how to contain them is paramount. This is why I am excited about the new educational exhibit at Mission Trails, a park that was nearly destroyed in the Cedar Fires.
Thanks to the hard work of park staff and gracious financial support from Councilman Chris Cate’s office, the exhibit will provide important educational information about wildfires and the hidden threat of flying embers.
The exhibit describes how strong winds and burning chaparral can produce flying, nearly invisible embers that can ignite a fire nearly six miles away. Often, these embers can enter a home undetected, resulting in catastrophic loss of property. Many people rightfully fear the moving wall of flames; however, flying embers can be the greater threat. In fact, during the 2007 fires, homes were burning when the fire front was 80 minutes away!
The threat of flying embers illustrates that it’s not just homes near canyonlands that need to be prepared. All San Diego homeowners must ensure that their property is prepared for wildfire season. Some suggestions include:
- Roofs: Burning branches, leaves, and embers can be carried by the wind and land on the roof. Roof materials should have a Class-A rating. Slate, terra cotta (clay) or standing-seam metal roofing are examples of Class-A fire-resistant suggested material.
- Vents: All vents should be covered with 1/8 inch metal mesh. DO NOT use fiberglass or plastic mesh.
- Rain gutters: Screen or enclose rain gutters to prevent accumulation of plant debris.
- Garage Door: Install weather stripping around and under doors to prevent embers from getting inside.
The new permanent exhibit will help educate San Diego residents about the threat of wildfires for years to come, and is a great example of how we can weave wildfire education into the fabric of our local culture.
To visit the flying embers exhibit or to learn more about Mission Trails Regional Park, please visit their website. For more important tips in wildfire prevention, please visit the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s wildfire prevention website.
Scott Sherman represents District 7 on the San Diego City Council. He is a small business owner and lifelong San Diegan.
