Reducing Fire Risk in the Wildland Urban Interface

At Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy, protecting wild habitat goes hand in hand with protecting homes and property.  With funding from the San Diego River Conservancy, this local non-profit organization works with private property owners to remove hazardous fire fuel along the San Diego River.

Managing vegetation is key in the Wildland Urban Interface.  According to River Park Field Superintendent Robert Doty, there are concrete steps anyone can take to increase fire safety. “Here are five quick ones that are easy and practical.”

 ·      Clear rain gutters of dry leaves and debris annually. 

·       Clear a space of at least 5 feet around the home, with a hardscape pathway rather than hedges.

·       Avoid wooden fences and firewood storage near the home; keep combustible items at least 50 feet away.

·       Avoid continuous vegetation from the driveway to the house; fire can run up these plants like a fuse.

·       Many plants have a lush green outer appearance that covers a significant amount of dry branches and brush inside; remove dead material within 100 feet of the home.

These actions protect homes from wildfire and prevent fires from spreading from homes to the surrounding area.  The purpose is to safeguard the natural environment while preserving life, health, and property.

ABOUT US

Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy was founded in 2001 to restore 100 acres of river habitat.  Today, river park wetlands provide flood protection to the community and a home for native species.  The LRPC Field Crew manages vegetation along the San Diego River to reduce the risks of wildfire.

The San Diego River Conservancy’s mission is to protect natural, historical, cultural, and tribal resources, open space, and native habitat, while improving water quality, supporting natural flood conveyance, and providing public access to public lands for outdoor recreation and education.