Public safety leaders from across the San Diego region came together this week to highlight a coordinated approach to wildfire readiness. The gathering marked a mid-season mobilization of firefighting tools and equipment, as wildfires continued to pop up around San Diego and across California during the late summer months. It also represented a unified call to action for year-round vigilance and collaboration.

The group included San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan, CAL FIRE Chief Tony Mecham, 2-1-1 San Diego CEO Bill York, SDG&E President Scott Crider, and SDG&E Vice President of Wildfire and Climate Science Brian D’Agostino. 

A New Era of Wildfire Readiness

Inside SDG&E’s Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center, wall-to-wall monitors displayed live fire-weather maps, virtual wildfire-simulation technology, AI-powered forecast models and real-time preparedness resources.

Officials reflected on the extraordinary circumstances of last year’s wildfire season, when the region experienced record-setting wind speeds and critically dry conditions — a combination that underscores the importance of wildfire-prevention measures and regional coordination.

But preparedness is also an individual responsibility.

While technology and infrastructure improvements have strengthened wildfire defenses, preparedness still begins at home.

“What once was a fire season has now become a fire year,” said Tony Mecham, Fire Chief of CAL FIRE San Diego and San Diego County Fire. “With historically low live fuel moisture levels across the county, we urge residents to remain vigilant, with preparation and awareness never on pause.”

Adding to this message, Chief Logan shared San Diego Fire-Rescue’s expansion of the City’s rapid-response capabilities, including three new water tenders, two new brush apparatus, and the addition of a night-flight-capable firefighting helicopter later this year. Residents were encouraged to plan ahead, stay informed, and take simple steps like assembling go-bags and identifying multiple evacuation routes to be as prepared as possible for potential emergencies.

“In San Diego, wildfires aren’t a matter of if; they are a matter of when,” said Chief Robert Logan of San Diego Fire-Rescue. “Together, we can all do our part to be ready and resilient. Have a go-bag, know your evacuation routes, and talk with your loved ones about your emergency plan.”

Detailed checklists and practical steps to harden your home can be found in San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Ready, Set, Go! program, available for free in English and Spanish at sandiego.gov/wildfire.

The Importance of Community Partnerships

Community organizations like 2-1-1 San Diego play a vital role in wildfire preparedness and response. In partnership with SDG&E and the County of San Diego, 2-1-1 provides 24/7 access to health, housing, and disaster assistance—with a special focus on reaching underserved and vulnerable communities that may face barriers to critical resources.

“Every day, 211 San Diego connects residents and families with important community, social, health, and disaster information. In times of crisis, we make connections to provide up-to-date information on power shutoffs, emergency shelters, and recovery resources,” said William York, President & CEO of 211 San Diego. “We work closely with our public-safety partners, including SDG&E, to connect our community with the help they need, 24/7. Whether it’s a regional or local crisis or an everyday struggle, 211 is San Diegans helping San Diegans.”

For more information on resources offered by 2-1-1 San Diego, visit 211sandiego.org.

Stay Connected, Stay Ready

Staying prepared means staying informed no matter where you live in the region. All San Diegans are encouraged to download the Genasys Protect app and register their cell phones with AlertSanDiego to get timely emergency alerts and evacuation information.

SDG&E also encourages customers to update their contact information in their My Energy Center account and download the Alerts by SDG&E app to get updates on Public Safety Power Shutoffs and fire-weather conditions, and access outage maps and safety tips tailored to their location.

To learn more about preparing your family and home for wildfire, visit sandiego.gov/wildfire and follow CAL FIRE San Diego/ San Diego County Fire and San Diego Fire-Rescue on X, Instagram and Facebook.