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Fire Safe Council of Greater Julian Prepares for Future Wildfires

By Jim Evans

Under the continuing threat of wildfires, it was a “no-brainer” when concerned citizens of Julian organized the Fire Safe Council of Greater Julian in March 2004, just a few months after the devastation of the 2003 Cedar and Pines fires.

As one of more than 90 Fire Safe Councils under the umbrella of the California Fire Safe Council, the Julian-area council is working to fulfill its mission of mobilizing Julian residents to protect their homes, community and environment from wildfires.

Taking Steps

The practices the council already has implemented include:

• weed abatement inspections conducted by the California Department of Forestry and forced abatement by the county of San Diego;

• providing support by coordinating volunteers to help local residents in violation who cannot help themselves;

• providing the sale and delivery of emergency-approved address signs;

Paul and April Kochur. Photo by Amber Ward

• working with the Julian Volunteer Fire Department and the CDF to identify streets that require county street signs.

The council has composed a draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan developed in conjunction with the Julian/Cuyamaca Volunteer Fire Department, CDF and Bureau of Land Management to help clarify requirements and priorities for the protection of personnel, land and animals.

“It will also provide community guidance, support, and education for preparing in the event of a wildfire,” said council coordinator Paul Kochur.

Community Interests Lags

Recently, the council received a grant to develop a Fire Safe educational display for the community, and members are writing an application for a separate grant to support the purchase and installation of street signs by the county.

Surprisingly — particularly in view of Julian’s vulnerability to future wildfires — only about 10 local residents are currently involved in the council.

“Many people apparently believe that we are safe since we had the Pines and Cedar Fires,” Kochur said, “but even though much of the surrounding areas were burned, the internal highly populated areas of Julian were not burned, and a fire in any of those areas could cause major damage and destruction to homes and property, including the downtown area.”

Kochur added, “We are communicating via the local newspapers, meeting agendas are posted at the post office, and our Web site will be released within the next two weeks, but there are still several communities within the greater Julian area that are not represented on the council.”

Kochur shares the responsibility of directing the council with co-coordinator Martin Aguilera. Marisa McFedries serves as treasurer, and April King Kochur serves as grant coordinator. The position of council secretary is open. Area representatives include Mike McFedries (Kentwood 1); Michelle Huggins (Kentwood 2); James Carter (Pine Hills); Sheri Pope (Whispering Pines); and Martin Aguilera (Wynola).

The council meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Julian Town Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and local residents are encouraged to become involved by attending a meeting, contacting a current council member or area representative, or writing to the Fire Safe Council of Greater Julian at P.O. Box 1514, Julian, CA 92036.