In the beautiful city of San Diego, where stunning landscapes meet the warmth of its people, the SDG&E annual Wildfire Safety Fairs concluded the 2023 season with record number participation at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center on August 26. More than 1,110 individuals, friends and families took part in the last Wildfire Safety Fair of the year, marking the highest level of participation since the fair’s inception in 2019.
“Year after year, this event transforms into a growing fellowship of partner agencies, dedicated volunteers, and local residents, all driven by a singular purpose: forging a more resilient community in the midst of wildfires,” said Robyn Brookshire, Sr. Community Resiliency Advisor at SDG&E. “As we complete the fifth consecutive year, we celebrate the increased engagement, a testament to our collective commitment to resiliency and preparedness.”
Empowering Education
- The heart of the Wildfire Safety Fairs focuses on providing crucial knowledge and resources to residents, enabling them to better understand the potential risks associated with wildfires.
- Through interactive workshops, expert led presentations and hands-on demonstrations, attendees gain valuable insights into fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and evacuation strategies.
Community Engagement: Regional partners working collaboratively for preparedness
Beyond education, the fairs foster a strong sense of community spirit, attracting residents from all walks of life to come together and share their experiences and concerns. The fairgrounds buzz with energy as families explore booths, connect with local organizations and network with fellow residents, forging bonds that extend beyond the event itself. Below is a list of just some of our partners throughout the community.
- CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire
- American Red Cross
- 2-1-1 San Diego
- Access and Functional Needs
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- San Diego Animal Services
- San Diego Humane Society
Innovative Initiatives: Sharing the latest in preparedness and wildfire mitigation
Spearheading the event, SDG&E continuously strives to develop and introduce its latest advancements and innovations to enhance wildfire safety and resiliency in its service territory. From showcasing state-of-the-art firefighting equipment to unveiling cutting-edge technologies designed to detect and combat fires, the fairs leave attendees in awe and inspire them to adopt new safety measures unique to their household. Works shops include:
- Emergency Management
- Wildfire Mitigation
- Climate Adaptation
- Defensible Space
- Vegetation Management
- Meteorology
“I beat my brother by collecting more stamps at each booth, but my favorite part of the fair was meeting the firefighter goats,” said Ashton Burden, a local fourth grade student. “Because they eat grass, goats help reduce fires, which is so cool.”
Through a commitment to education, community engagement, innovation, inclusivity and action, the Wildfire Safety Fairs have transformed the way residents perceive and respond to the threat of wildfires. Each passing year, WSFs reinforce the importance of preparedness, foster a resilient community network, and ensure that San Diego remains a safe haven amidst the beautiful but unpredictable landscapes that surround it.
