This week, Cal Fire San Diego posted a reminder to its Facebook page telling residents that 14 of the 20 most destructive fires recorded in state history have occurred between October and December.
Stephen Rea is the assistant director of San Diego County Office of Emergency Services. He said OES prepares year around for emergencies, including wildfires.
“It’s important for the people of San Diego to prepare for wildfires. Wildfires are a part of San Diego,” Rea said.
His No. 1 recommendation for San Diego residents is to have a plan to evacuate. Rea said evacuating ahead of a wildfire is extremely important.
“Don’t necessarily wait for someone to tell you to get out. If you feel unsafe, that’s the time to get out from in front of the wildfire,” Rea said. "The one thing people in San Diego need to know is that if there’s a wildfire that is backed by Santa Ana winds, a small hose in the backyard is not going to do anything."
The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services has information about how San Diego residents prepare at ReadySanDiego.org.
