Following the Aug. 13 fire that broke out in the 2700 block of Alpine Boulevard, Alpine Fire Marshal Jason McBroom put together suggestions for local residents to help prevent additional fires from starting and potentially spreading among dry weeds and brush leading to imminent destruction.
He implored residents to create at least 100 feet of defensible space and maintain it year-round, saying that he is not opposed to vegetation but asks home owners to make time to harden their homes and yards.
“Cut all weeds and brush so they’re shorter than six feet and make sure all low-hanging branches are at least six feet off the ground. Also, cut all the weeds and brush away from roadways and driveways,” McBroom said.
The fire marshal issued a reminder that free chipping is available through the Greater Alpine Fire Safe Council. Residents can find more information and register for free services at www.greateralpinefsc.org.
Additionally, he said the Alpine Fire Protection District has tips on acceptable home vegetation available for homeowners who want to create defensible space in Zone 1, the first five feet extending outward around structures. More information can be found on their website at www.alpinefire.org.
“Please be proactive in creating defensible space. It takes a community to strengthen our resistance against the next wildfire. Help your neighbor if they need it. Your lives may depend on it,” McBroom said.
He also said residents should have an evacuation plan, and that cars should be kept ready with a full tank of gas, parked facing out of driveways for the fastest — and most visible — escape in case of smoke or limited visibility.
“Make a plan early. Knowing four ways to evacuate from the community is crucial. Remember the acronym PACE. Everyone should have primary, alternate, contingency and emergency evacuation points. Know where you’re going ahead of time and have a Ready Set Go plan,” McBroom said.
The Ready Set Go checklist is available on www.alpinefire.org, but McBroom said one very important step is planning for three days of supplies, water, food and medicines.
The fire marshal also asked residents to register all cell phones, email addresses and landlines with ReadySanDiego.org to receive information on evacuations and relocation centers during an emergency.
“If you’re under an evacuation warning, please be prepared. If the community does have a fire and evacuations are ordered, residents should execute their Ready Set Go plan immediately because waiting until the last minute can be deadly. Listen to news and social media feeds, visit 211sandiego.org for updates. If time permits, prepare your home as best as possible,” McBroom said.
If time allows, he said residents should leave garden hoses coiled up at corners of their home and take any combustible furniture inside. Leave combustible blinds or window treatments open, close all interior windows and doors, and turn on all outside lights before leaving the property.
Although McBroom says fire can and will break out at any time of year, Alpine is currently hot and dry, so residents should take steps to avoid accidentally sparking a fire.
“One spark, that’s all it takes to start the next wildfire. Be prepared while working around your home. If it is dry outside, use hand tools for yard maintenance and avoid metal blades when the humidity is lower than ten percent or there are wind events. Have hoses staged in case your equipment does start a fire,” McBroom said.
He said the Alpine Fire Protection District is available to make home inspections to help homeowners establish a plan to maintain structure protection and defensible space.
“Wildfires are a part of where we live. The wildland urban interface is a beautiful natural place to live, however, it comes with a great responsibility of the homeowners, businesses and stakeholders to do their part in maintaining a safe community. We all have a major role in standing together to be prepared, be observant and be educated.”