By Steven Jaksha
The military has a saying: “We train the best for the worst.” That mindset is the foundation of survival — being ready for whatever challenges may come. It’s a lesson San Diego must take to heart when it comes to wildfires.
The devastating fires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike. Are we prepared? Or are we simply hoping it won’t happen here? Too often, we act like the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand, or the three wise monkeys refusing to see, hear or speak about the danger. But ignoring reality won’t keep us safe.
A Tale of Three Pigs
Think of the classic tale of “The Three Little Pigs.” The first two pigs, content with their straw and stick houses, spent their time playing instead of preparing. When the wolf arrived, their homes were destroyed in an instant. The third pig, however, built with bricks — anticipating danger before it arrived — and survived.
San Diego must decide: will we be the two lazy pigs, distracted by daily life, or the smart pig who builds a strong defense?
There are already homeowners in Los Angeles who successfully saved their homes, clearing brush, using water hoses and fire extinguishers to stop advancing flames. In the aftermath of destruction, their homes still stand among burned-out neighborhoods.
This is a perfect illustration of the difference between being prepared and being caught off guard. The question is: What will San Diego be? What will you be? Lazy or smart?
Not If, But When
Fires are not a matter of if but when. San Diego residents need to take action now by:
• Clearing brush and overhanging trees near their homes
• Keeping extra hoses ready
• Having a go-bag with essential documents, clothing and medication
• Preparing an escape plan in advance
Fireproofing your home isn’t complicated — it’s about making fire prevention a part of your routine. A simple weekend project to remove flammable materials, store emergency supplies and set up evacuation routes could make all the difference.
Planning shouldn’t stop at the individual level. Neighborhoods should coordinate fire response strategies, ensuring everyone is prepared when the time comes.
Is Leadership Ready?
While individual preparedness is critical, city leadership must also step up. The failures of Los Angeles officials in handling their fires should serve as a warning. Will San Diego follow in their footsteps, or will we learn from their mistakes?
The political fallout from the Los Angeles fires is already unfolding. Earlier in the election cycle, both Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom were considered strong candidates for higher office — Bass as a potential vice presidential pick and Newsom as a possible presidential contender. Now, both are under scrutiny.
A petition demanding Bass resign has already gathered 125,000 signatures and is growing. Newsom’s presidential ambitions may have gone up in smoke, along with the homes lost to the fires.
The public outcry is real, and leaders who fail to prepare will be held accountable.
A Fire-Ready City
San Diego should take immediate action to ensure we are ready. Monthly Fire Preparedness Meetings should be held with key stakeholders:
Firefighters, law enforcement, forestry officials, medical teams and utility companies must coordinate response strategies.
An asset inventory should identify available firefighting personnel, vehicles, water reserves, aircraft, military assistance and communication networks.
A corrective action committee should oversee these efforts, ensuring problems are addressed before a fire occurs.
Public education must also be a priority. Regular community fire training sessions should teach residents how to protect their homes, coordinate evacuations and work together in emergencies.
Fires should be treated like a battlefield. Establishing Quick Reaction Fire Squads could allow trained teams to deploy rapidly, hitting hot spots before they spiral out of control.
The Cost of Inaction
If we fail to prepare, the consequences will be devastating. Uncontrolled fires will lead to:
• Loss of lives
• Destruction of homes and businesses
• Insurance and tax base losses
• Job displacement and school disruptions
• Psychological trauma that lingers for years
The people of Los Angeles are already experiencing these hardships. We must support them — but we must also ensure that San Diego is not the next national wildfire disaster story.
San Diego is a military town. We understand discipline, strategy and preparation. It’s time to apply that mindset to wildfire prevention.
As the saying goes, “We train the best for the worst.” The question is, will we?
Steven Jaksha is a retired U.S. Navy Commander living in San Diego.
