ENCINITAS — In response to multiple wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County and red flag warnings earlier this week for portions of San Diego County, the city and fire officials have reaffirmed their commitment to fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
While the San Diego area remained on high wildfire alert this past week amid extremely dry and blustery Santa Ana conditions, the county appeared to have avoided serious incidents like the ongoing Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth fires wreaking havoc throughout the Los Angeles area.
However, the city emphasized the importance of community collaboration and proactive planning to minimize risks during periods of heightened fire danger.
“The fires in Los Angeles County are devastating and underscore the need for coastal communities like Encinitas to be prepared for times when fire conditions are high,” the city said in a statement. “The City of Encinitas takes fire prevention and response planning seriously and is committed to working alongside the community to minimize risk and ensure safety.”
The city said the Encinitas Fire Department remains fully staffed and ready to respond to emergencies. Mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions bolster the department’s capacity, ensuring prompt and effective response.
Additionally, San Diego County has pre-positioned two strike teams — consisting of 10 fire engines and 40 firefighters — to assist with potential wildland fires, including those within Encinitas.
The city’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is the foundation for a coordinated hazard response. Complementing the EOP are the Olivenhain Evacuation Plan and Fire Pre-Plans, which intend to maximize resident safety by streamlining evacuations and prioritizing life-saving measures and fire suppression efforts.
“The City and the Encinitas Fire Department remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of our residents through comprehensive preparedness, response planning, and collaboration with regional partners,” officials said in the statement.
To ensure readiness for wildland fire events, the Encinitas Fire Department conducts extensive countywide training and annual wildfire drills in Olivenhain and Saxony Canyon. These exercises, conducted alongside regional fire departments and law enforcement agencies, reinforce uniform operating procedures and enhance emergency management capabilities.
The Encinitas Fire Department said it annually inspects schools, hotels, motels, lodging houses and multifamily buildings to identify and reduce risks.
Municipal officials further highlighted San Diego County’s robust infrastructure, including reliable fire suppression water resources. Helicopters can access reservoirs such as Olivenhain and San Vicente, and regional emergency collaboration facilitates efficient resource allocation.
“Our teams are actively monitoring conditions and working with emergency partners to maintain reliable operations, even during Public Safety Power Shutoffs,” officials said. “Your safety is our priority, and we remain ready to respond.”
Safety Tips for Residents
The City of Encinitas encourages residents to take the following steps to stay safe:
- Visit the city’s Emergency Preparedness webpage to learn how to prepare for emergencies:
- Develop an emergency plan for yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
- Register cell phones and email addresses with AlertSanDiego, the county’s emergency notification system.
- Sign up for power outage alerts from SDG&E.
- Download the GENASYS PROTECT and SD Emergency apps for alerts.
Residents are reminded to plan ahead, evacuate early, and follow all fire and law enforcement emergency orders.
