The city of San Diego has launched a new webpage to provide landscaping and brush management advice to reduce the risk of wildfires.
The guidelines recommend maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around homes, divided into three zones:
- Zone 0 (0-5 feet): No vegetation near structures.
- Zone 1 (5-35 feet): Regularly pruned and maintained vegetation.
- Zone 2 (35-100 feet): Managed natural vegetation, with special care near sensitive habitats.
Within San Diego’s geographical boundaries, there are more than 500 linear miles where homes meet dense vegetation in canyons and other open-space areas. The city recommends addressing brush management between Aug. 16 and Jan. 31 to minimize the impact on threatened and endangered plants and animals.
Reduce the risk of fires around your home by properly maintaining trees and landscaping. Learn about the basics of brush management and what to do if you live near environmentally sensitive lands: https://t.co/tCV1VfcMoV
— City of San Diego (@CityofSanDiego) December 5, 2024
Those include coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub, coastal sage-chaparral, the California gnatcatcher and western burrowing owl.
To conduct brush management outside of the five-month period, an exception must be granted by the city.
Community members can visit the Guide to Brush Management webpage to learn more about the steps they need to take if they live near environmentally sensitive lands, as well as tips on how to correctly prune shrubs and trim trees.
“All San Diegans are encouraged to evaluate their property and take action to mitigate the risks of wildfire damage,” said Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan said in a news release. “The new webpage offers valuable recommendations and resources.”
