As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the wildfire risks we face in San Diego.
The Palisades Fire was a wake-up call for many people living in wildfire-prone areas. Tragically, it destroyed more than 6,800 structures and claimed 12 lives, according to Cal Fire. The scale of that devastation is a sobering reminder of how quickly wind-driven flames can overwhelm even well-prepared communities.
Recognizing that long-term planning and prevention are essential, in Rancho Santa Fe, we have opted to take a proactive approach. This year, our association officially earned national recognition as a Firewise USA Community through the National Fire Protection Association.
Our firewise committee, led by Leonard Gregory, in partnership with the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, led the firewise process. We identified what needs to be done, and our members have answered the call. From clearing defensible space to maintaining safer landscapes, residents are playing an active role. And as a bonus, some members have already reported receiving insurance discounts by providing their insurers with information about firewise.
The character of Rancho Santa Fe is truly special. Our open spaces, historic landscapes and architectural heritage are part of what makes us unique — while also demanding a balance between beauty and safety. For example, lush landscaping surrounding homes may be picturesque — but in some cases, such vegetation can provide fuel for a fire. In order to be prepared, we need to look at how we do things and apply new information.
We know more today about fire risk than we did when the community was founded 100 years ago. We have learned about fire-resistant landscaping, managing our preserves responsibly and updating community guidelines to modern fire-safety standards.
Fire hardening is a shared responsibility — and in our community, where 90% of trees are on private property, homeowner participation is essential. Homeowners maintain their properties and ensure they have a defensible space. Local governments enforce fire codes, while state agencies, such as Cal Fire, develop programs and fund home-hardening initiatives. Within that system, Rancho Santa Fe is proving how an organized community can do its part.
Again, it’s important to note that the Rancho Santa Fe Association is not a public agency. We are a homeowners’ association, incorporated as a California nonprofit, with no mandated role in fire protection. That means every wildfire-prevention step we take is voluntary — not required by regulation.
Beyond the firewise initiative, the Rancho Santa Fe Association is advancing long-term projects to strengthen our community’s fire resilience.
We are managing risk in our preserves, investing $1.5 million in the Arroyo Preserve Restoration to replace flammable brush with fire-resistant native vegetation in partnership with the San Dieguito River Park, the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. And in the Ewing Preserve, we are carefully thinning vegetation to lower fire risk while preserving native plants.
We’re also using technology. Our FireWatch Risk Mapping Program gives homeowners detailed, high-resolution maps showing where their properties may be most vulnerable.
Finally, our Community Wildfire Protection Plan, developed with Fairbanks Ranch and the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, will serve as a roadmap for coordinated, long-term wildfire mitigation.
Together, we can ensure Rancho Santa Fe remains safe, resilient and beautiful for generations to come.
Gamboa is president of the board of directors of the Rancho Santa Fe Association. He lives in Rancho Santa Fe.