DATE:
February 25, 2025
12
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: REDUCING FIRE DANGER THROUGH EMERGENCY ENCAMPMENT CLEARINGS DURING RED FLAG WARNINGS (DISTRICTS: ALL)Title
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OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego faces a significant fire risk due to homeless encampments in high-risk areas. In January alone, multiple fires-including the Friars Fire in Mission Valley, the Center Fire in Rancho Bernardo, and the Gilman Fire in La Jolla-originated in homeless encampments. These fires have threatened homes, destroyed property, forced emergency evacuations, and put the lives of both first responders and residents in danger.
In Los Angeles, 54% of all fires in 2023 were attributed to homeless encampments, with similar trends emerging in the Bay Area and across California. Wildfire remains an ever-present threat in San Diego County, where dry conditions, high winds, and dense vegetation create a constant risk of disaster.
Homeless encampments, often located in canyons, riverbeds, and other fire-prone areas, add an unpredictable and dangerous element to this equation. Open flames used for cooking and warmth, combined with flammable debris and a lack of fire prevention measures, pose a serious fire hazard-not only to surrounding communities but also to those living within the encampments themselves.
Today's action prioritizes public safety by directly addressing the fire risks posed by homeless encampments and implementing proactive fire prevention measures. By improving the process of emergency encampment clearings to address fire risk, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of devastating wildfires. Wildfires do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries, making regional coordination essential. Therefore, today's action also calls for collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions to enhance fire prevention efforts and strengthen public safety across the region.
RECOMMENDATIONS
SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the B...
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