Wildfire Safety
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
In the past 20 years, Northeast Rancho Peñasquitos was evacuated at least five times because of wildfires. Our community borders on the expansive 2,300-acre Black Mountain Open Space Park, which is designated by SD Fire-Rescue as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Below are fire safety resources and tips that will help you prepare in the event of a wildfire evacuation to minimize your risks.
Recommended Resources
Get Safety Alerts
All members of our community should download and use three important mobile apps:
Watch Duty - A free app that helps residents track wildfires and nearby fire activity in real-time. It can greatly improve your awareness and assist in evacuation decisions.
GenasysProtect - An official free app used by the local officials/government that informs residents of their official evacuation zone, the status of that zone, and live evacuation information, road closures, shelter information and emergency notifications
Get It Done - A free app used by the city of San Diego for non-emergency reporting of neighborhood issues such as homeless encampments, overgrown brush, and lots of other issues on city property.
In a fast-moving emergency like a wildfire, evacuation warnings and orders are often sent by phone or text—and if you receive an evacuation order, your life is in danger and you must leave. Register your cell phone number, VoIP phone number and email address with AlertSanDiego, the County’s source of emergency information through their website, app, social media, phone and text alerts.
CAL FIRE: Get Ready To Go!
The geography, weather patterns and number of Wildland Urban Interface communities in California make it a state particularly threatened by devastating wildfire. As catastrophic wildfires continue to increase each year, make sure to protect yourself and your family—plan, prepare and stay aware. Residents in northeast PQ are at risk and are encouraged to take these steps to be ready.
Fire Evacuation Guide
Wildfires happen suddenly. These checklists can help you be prepared in case an approaching fire requires evacuation. This Fire Evacuation Guide was prepared by the Rancho Peñasquitos Fire Safe Council. If you hear there is a wildfire approaching San Diego, it is time to get ready and PREPARE TO GO.
Create Defensible Space
This CAL FIRE webpage shows how to create defensible space that is the buffer between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire.
Fire Insurance
Some insurance companies are cancelling homeowner insurance in California due to the state’s wildfire risk and high construction costs. If you have received a notice of cancellation and cannot find a replacement, the California FAIR Plan is the state’s insurer of last resort for high-risk properties.
