Fire safety belongs to all of us
By Dave Mason
Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council
Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council board member Stan Newcomb reminds us that keeping Scripps Ranch fire safe is a shared responsibility.
You have probably heard more lately about “Zone Zero” and the steps you can take to protect your home before the next wildfire. Clearing defensible space, removing flammable material near your house, trimming trees and maintaining your property all matter. But fire safety does not stop at your property line.
You can also help by reporting hazardous brush, overgrown trees and other fire risks you see around Scripps Ranch. The first step is to determine whether the problem is on public property, such as a canyon, park or open space area, or on private property.
Dangerous brush on public or private land:The City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department handles code enforcement for wildfire hazards. If you see dangerous brush or overgrowth, you can file a formal complaint through the San Diego Get It Done portal or contact the Brush Management Unit directly at (619) 533-4444. The department can investigate and issue violation notices to property owners who are not maintaining required defensible space.
If the hazard is in a public canyon, park or open space area, it can also be reported through the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Open Space Division. More information is available at:
sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/citizen-complaint-inspections.
Trees near power lines: If brush or trees are growing dangerously close to utility poles or power lines, do not contact the city first. Report the issue to San Diego Gas & Electric. You can contact SDG&E online or call customer service at 1-800-411-7343 so the concern can be reviewed for priority line-clearing.
Neighborhood guidance and community resources: For neighborhood-level advice, community organizing, chipper programs or local fire-safety guidance, contact the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council. You can reach us at (858) 201-3711 or by email at srfiresafecouncil@gmail.com.
Scripps Ranch fire safety belongs to all of us. You can help by being the eyes and ears of the community and reporting hazards before they become emergencies.