Preparing for Future Wildfires

By Jim Evans

Wildfires have become a recurring threat to California — particularly as our population increases and development continues to intrude into rural wooded areas where firefighting resources are sometimes limited.

In April 1993, the California Fire Safe Council was formed “to preserve and enhance California’s manmade resources by providing leadership and support that mobilizes all Californians to protect their homes, communities, and environment from wildfires.”

The council provides resources to establish and maintain local Fire Safe Councils, including a hand-book, nonprofit and funding information.

The council includes about 50 different public and private organizations among its members and more than 90 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the state. Several local councils were formed immediately after the Cedar and Paradise fires of 2003, but they appear to be stalled in many of the communities

most affected by the fires. How soon we forget.

The California Fire Safe Council

lists local Fire Safe Councils in Banner, Crest, Cuyamaca Woods, Descanso, Greater Julian, Harrison Park, Julian Estates, Lake Cuyamaca, Mt. Woodson, Palomar Mountain, Pine Hills, Ramona and Wynola. However, many of these councils have no information indicated on the Fire Safe Council Website at www.firesafecouncil.org and — in most cases — most don’t even list a contact person. Notable exceptions are Cuyamaca Woods, Greater Julian, and Palomar Mountain, which appear to be well-organized and proactive.

Ramona residents interested in becoming involved with the Ramona Fire Safe Council should send their resume, including address, to Ramona Fire Safe Council, P.O. Box 2846, Ramona, CA 92065.