Rancho Bernardo town hall meeting to address preparations for wildfires.

As wildfire season looms, preparedness is crucial, especially for residents in high-risk areas. A Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall is set to take place on Friday, April 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Library, located at 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. This event, organized by San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, is aimed at residents across District 5, encompassing communities like Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Sabre Springs, and Rancho Peñasquitos.

The town hall will feature a panel of expert speakers, including Captain Michael Ramsey from the San Diego Police Department’s Northeastern Division, Lieutenant Devore Brenton from SDPD’s Neighborhood Policing Division, and Fire Marshal Tony Tosca from San Diego Fire-Rescue. Additionally, Erika Ferreira from the San Diego Parks and Recreation’s Open Space Division and Sharon Smith, outreach analyst with the California Department of Insurance, will provide valuable insights into wildfire risks and preparedness strategies.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP at tinyurl.com/RBfiretownhall25, which will also allow them to submit specific questions in advance. This initiative comes in light of the recent update by Cal Fire on March 24, which released new Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps categorizing areas into three classifications: very high (red), high (orange), and moderate (yellow). In San Diego County, approximately 157,338 acres have been identified as very high fire hazard zones, with an additional 335,000 acres classified as moderate or high risk.

These maps represent the first significant revision in 14 years and detail fire risk levels across Southern California for areas where local fire departments are tasked with responding to incidents. Despite a nearly 9% reduction in very high hazard acreage compared to the last maps issued in 2011, this decline can be attributed to various factors, including urban development in previously open spaces.

As Assistant Fire Marshal Daniel Hypes indicated, the updated maps will influence the San Diego City Council’s proactive fire management strategies, including door-to-door inspections and potential adjustments to building regulations. New construction in designated very high fire hazard areas must adhere to stringent Chapter 7A building standards implemented post-2007, which mandate specific fire-resistant features.

While the new maps are essential for informing the local community about wildfire risks and improving safety standards, they do not directly determine homeowners’ insurance rates. It is crucial for residents to recognize that insurance companies utilize their own criteria and mapping systems when assessing risk and determining coverage costs. Consequently, being classified within or outside of a designated zone does not guarantee corresponding changes in insurance premiums.

Residents are encouraged to utilize this town hall opportunity as a platform for gaining knowledge about wildfire preparedness, reinforcing the importance of having a comprehensive evacuation plan, and establishing defensible space around their properties. Comprehensive preparation can significantly mitigate the potential impact of wildfires in vulnerable communities.

Through collaborative efforts between local authorities and community members, it is essential to enhance awareness and develop cohesive strategies that bolster resilience against the inevitability of wildfires in the region.

For further information, residents are invited to attend the town hall and engage with experts dedicated to wildfire risk management and community safety initiatives.