The City of Carlsbad works alongside the community to minimize the risk of fire during Santa Ana conditions. Here are some tips for playing your part to help keep a wildfire from breaking out and, in the event one does occur, how to make sure you are prepared and informed.

Take steps to mitigate the danger of wildland fires

• Move combustible items (i.e. patio furniture, trash cans, dry vegetation, mulch) away from your home at least 5 feet
• Clear your roof and gutters from debris, including dead leaves
• Trim overhanging branches
• Establish defensible boundaries between home/work areas and dry brush areas
• Clear off debris from the roof and gutters, screen vents
• Report hazardous activities, smoke or fire to 9-1-1

Being ready

In the event a fire does occur, we want to make sure you have a proper plan in place and stay informed through the city’s various communication channels.  

• Develop an emergency plan, including escape routes. Every resident and business should plan to provide for basic needs (food, water, shelter, sanitation, etc.) for 72 to 96 hours
• Register cell phones with AlertSanDiego, the county-wide emergency notification system
• Download the Genasys Protect app, part of a new countywide emergency alert system that allows first responders to use more precise geographic boundaries when setting up evacuation zones and notifications. (Even if you don’t download the app, you’ll still be notified about emergencies in your area.)

Please visit the city’s emergency preparedness webpage for more safety tips. 

Two fire-related questions
We have gotten some questions about reports that fire hydrants ran out of water during the height of the fires in Los Angeles, including concerns about that happening here. Here’s the short answer from our Utilities Department …

There are different ways to move water from its source to our taps, or, in this case, fire hydrants. Our system uses gravity to move water from place to place, with the right amount of pressure. That’s why you’ll notice that large water tanks are located on high points around our city.

Other systems, like the ones that had problems in the fires up north, use different methods to move water that can be more vulnerable to losing pressure. So, it’s not that they ran out of water; they lost pressure needed to move the water through the system.

While we’re on the topic of water and fires, another thing that can affect pressure, regardless of the type of system, is too many people using their garden hoses. Not only is it dangerous to ignore evacuation orders, but if everyone turned on their hoses at the same time, it would interfere with firefighters who need that pressure in nearby hydrants.

How to help
We have also received questions about how to help our neighbors to the north. There are many relief efforts underway that are accepting donations. Unfortunately, scammers can take advantage of disasters like this, so please be sure to vet any organization before donating. If you aren’t able to do this legwork, the American Red Cross is always an option. Here is a link to its wildfire relief fund. 

For the latest updates and government resources, visit the state’s emergency website as well as one set up by Los Angeles County.