Ask the Fire Chief
Do you have special questions about preparing for a wildfire emergency? Do you have special questions about how to make your home firesafe? Ask the Fire Chief! Your questions will be answered by North County Fire Protection District Fire Marshal Sid Morel and Battalion Chief Steve Abbott.
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- Question:
- What do I do if my neighbors house or property is not very fire safe?
- Answer:
- Run! In all seriousness, please contact our fire prevention bureau at (760) 723-2010 for fire hazard related issues. If it is not a fire hazard but another code compliance issue, contact County code enforcement at (760) 471-0730.
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- Question:
- I'm re-planting parts of my garden. What plants do you recommend for fire safety?
- Answer:
- I would like to refer you to Suggested Plant List for a Defensible Space, maintained by County of San Diego.
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- Question:
- What if my neighbor doesn't clear brush that is within 100ft of my house? Can I clear brush on their property if I need to for insurance purposes?
- Answer:
- You may only clear on a neighbor's property with permission from that property owner. It is advisable to get written permission from your neighbor which spells out when and where such clearance can occur.
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- Question:
- Can I make a camp fire in my own yard?
- Answer:
- No. But you may have a fire in a manufactured, portable appliance, chimney, or a permanently constructed fire ring is acceptable. Keep in mind, however, that flames must be less than 18 inches high.
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- Question:
- Can I clear in an open space easement?
- Answer:
- Yes, if an open space easement is located on your property you may legally clear the 100 feet from your structure, even if it takes you into that easement, upon written authorization of your fire protection district. No irrigated, or non-native landscaping is allowed within an open space easement (DPLU).
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- Question:
- What do fire fighters do for fun?
- Answer:
- On duty and after hours they universally enjoy cooking, working out, and catching up on homework. Depending upon the station they may watch an evening local sporting event, play Frisbee golf, basketball, or searching for golfballs. Many firefighters now own personal laptops and will surf the Internet in the evening hours.
