Planning for a Fire Safe Community
Always Call 911 for Emergencies
If you see fire or smell smoke, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to fight a wildfire on your own. Follow your evacuation plan and leave early.
Prepare Your Home
Take these steps to reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfire embers and radiant heat.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters, roof, and around the foundation
- Install 1/8-inch metal mesh screening over all vents and eaves
- Use fire-resistant roofing materials (Class A rated)
- Replace single-pane windows with dual-pane tempered glass
- Move firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from structures
- Ensure your address is clearly visible from the street for responders
Create Defensible Space
Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the wildfire threat. Maintain a minimum 5-foot non-combustible zone around structures and clear vegetation to at least 100 feet.
- Zone 0 (0–5 ft): Use hardscape only — gravel, concrete, or stone. No plants, mulch, or combustibles
- Zone 1 (5–30 ft): Remove dead plants, trim trees so branches are 10 ft from structures and other trees
- Zone 2 (30–100 ft): Create horizontal and vertical spacing between shrubs and trees. Mow grass to 4 inches
- Remove all dead vegetation, fallen leaves, and pine needles regularly
- Keep tree branches trimmed to at least 6 feet above ground level
Upload your defensible space diagram above. Click the image block to select or upload a file.
Local Fire Safety Vendors
These local businesses can help you prepare your property. GMIA does not endorse any specific vendor — always verify licensing and insurance.
Tree Trimming & Removal
Example Tree Service — (619) 555-0101
Licensed, insured. Specializes in fire hazard tree removal and crown thinning.
Hilltop Arborists — (619) 555-0102
ISA-certified arborists serving the Greater Mt. Helix area.
Brush Clearing & Weed Abatement
Firesafe Clearing Co. — (619) 555-0201
Seasonal brush clearing, defensible space maintenance contracts available.
Valley Weed Abatement — (619) 555-0202
County-compliant weed abatement services for residential and commercial lots.
Roofing & Vent Screening
Summit Roofing — (619) 555-0301
Class A fire-rated roof installation and repair. Free inspections.
Ember Guard Screens — (619) 555-0302
Custom 1/8″ metal mesh screening for vents, eaves, and deck gaps.
Landscape & Hardscape
Firewise Landscapes — (619) 555-0401
Fire-resistant native plant design. Zone 0 hardscape installation.
Rock Solid Hardscape — (619) 555-0402
Gravel, decomposed granite, and stone patios for non-combustible zones.
Official Resources
County PDS 199 — Brush Management Program
The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services document PDS 199 outlines brush management requirements for properties in wildfire-prone areas. It defines the two required brush management zones and compliance standards for all properties in the Wildland-Urban Interface.