Public Safety

Be Alert for Fire Danger

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A red flag warning has been issued through Thursday evening, but there are steps residents can take to protect themselves from fire danger.

The National Weather Service issued the warning until 5 p.m. Thursday for San Diego’s mountains and inland valleys due to expected strong, gusty winds and low humidity. Forecasters are predicting strong wind gusts of up to 60 mph Thursday, along with humidity as low as 5 percent.

So, what can you do?

Fire officials recommend residents maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space throughout the year. But just before or once winds get hot and dry, it is not recommended to begin clearing with a mower or weed cutter because they can accidentally spark a fire.

Here are some things residents can do instead:

  • Remove debris, including dried leaves, firewood stacks, or trash from around the home. This includes leaves on their roof and in gutters.
  • Trim away any tree branches that overhang on your home and cut low branches on trees.
  • Dried out bushes or plants should also be pruned or removed.
  • All tree or shrub clippings need to be cleaned up and disposed of in a bin.

Additionally, residents should be alert and that means staying informed.

One way to do that is by downloading the County’s SD Emergency app from the Google Play store or the Apple App Store. The app provides news updates, maps, shelter locations and includes disaster planning templates and interactive checklists. If a regional emergency, such as a wildfire, does occur, updates and other information will be posted at sdcountyemergency.com and sent out via the app.

Complete a family disaster plan template from the app or from ReadySanDiego.org to help your family plan for an emergency including where to meet if you are separated and cannot return home.

You can also stay in touch with official emergency information by registering for AlertSanDiego, the County’s cell phone notification service. By doing that, you will receive any emergency messages that apply to your neighborhood on your cell phone. To find more information about safeguarding your home from wildfires and general disaster preparation, visit ReadySanDiego.org.

More weather forecast information and updates are available at the National Weather Service.

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact