After an exceptionally wet winter and a frustratingly protracted “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” San Diego County residents can finally rejoice — summer has arrived. But the arrival of sunshine, school breaks and floods of out-of-town visitors is also a signal that wildfire season is on the horizon.
International headlines in recent weeks have reminded us all of the danger of wildfires. We have all seen the apocalyptic scenes of smoke blanketing the northeastern United States — a result of the ongoing and devastating Canadian wildfires. The orange-tinted images of Manhattan and New York City serve as a startling reminder of the widespread impact wildfires can have on any community, anywhere.
And now, sadly, it could be our turn to deal with these issues again soon.
As we approach fire season here in California, Cal Fire is committed to preparing and ensuring our readiness to respond to any emergency that may arise.
Fortunately, we’re not going it alone. We have amazing partners in this effort. One in particular that stands out is a place where about 1 million people spent their June and July — the Del Mar Fairgrounds, home of the San Diego County Fair.
We have relied heavily in the past on the 22nd District Agricultural Association, the state entity that operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, to assist with our readiness and our response.
Partnerships such as the one we have with the 22nd DAA demonstrate how we all must be adaptable, nimble, and selfless when disasters strike. Think about the dichotomy: One day at the fairgrounds, people are eating corn dogs and fried s’mores and going for a spin around the Ferris Wheel. The next day, the same fairgrounds could be called into action to serve as a mass vaccination site during a public health emergency or as a mass evacuation site for people and animals during the most distressing time of their lives.
In times of crisis, the good folks at the 22nd DAA have always opened their doors to support our community, and they have always been a reliable partner and a vital piece of our emergency response strategy in San Diego County.
The 22nd DAA played a major role by turning the Del Mar Fairgrounds into an evacuation site during the devastating wildfires of 2003, 2007, 2014 and 2017. Then and there, we teamed up to provide essential emergency services, shelter equipment and a sanctuary for vulnerable communities throughout San Diego County.
At its peak, the Del Mar Fairgrounds served as a haven for over 2,300 horses and other large animals, including goats, pigs and llamas.
But the support has also extended beyond the physical space. In 2017, the community rallied to provide donations. Individuals, small businesses, and major corporations contributed hay, bedding, food, and other livestock supplies. An astounding 14.2 tons of apples and carrots were donated, ensuring the animals’ comfort and well-being. It was an awe-inspiring display of solidarity and compassion in the face of adversity.
Cal Fire’s relationship with the 22nd DAA is, thankfully, stronger than ever. We know that we may have to call on partners like them if our newly blue skies turn orange. And we are grateful to know the 22nd DAA will be ready to answer that call and pitch in once again.
And we hope you will be ready, too. We want this summer to be a great one, but we also hope our community will step up if disaster strikes. For more information on how you can be prepared for wildfire season, visit our web page.
Jeffrey Bailey is the Supervising Deputy State Fire Marshal for San Diego, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties. Bailey has been with Cal Fire since and previously served with the Riverside County Fire Department.
