San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders says the city will work more closely with other local governments to prepare for wildfires. In his State of the City address, Sanders announced he'll seek better representation of the region. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps explains.
Sanders says when the next fire comes, San Diego may not be able to depend on state and federal government for help. Resources were stretched thin during the fires of October. Federal aircraft sat grounded for two days. So San Diego must fend for itself.
Sanders: Wildfires in our region are a fact of life. But, by and large, they don't start in the City of San Diego. Therefore, protecting this region from the next major wildfire will require continued cooperation between the cities and the county.
A new committee will consider forming a countywide fire authority. That would give San Diego a seat at the bargaining table with other agencies in Southern California.
Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.
