$250,000 in grants awarded to 24 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region
SAN DIEGO, May 30, 2024 – Today the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation announced it will be funding 24 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) with grants totaling $250,000 to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer. The announcement was made during the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 17th Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, which recognized several outstanding individuals and agencies for their significant contributions to fostering fire-safe and resilient communities.
Fire Safe Councils are community-led, volunteer-based organizations dedicated to protecting homes and communities from wildfires. FSCs support their communities through various activities including fire-hardening homes, removing flammable plantings, hosting vegetation chipping events, installing reflective address signage, and educating and assisting neighbors with emergency preparedness.
“We support the operations of 41 community Fire Safe Councils in San Diego County and are delighted to celebrate these organizations and their incredible volunteers by acknowledging their efforts through the following volunteer awards and grants.” said Ann Baldridge, Vice President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County.
- 2024 Outstanding FSC: Julian Fire Safe Council
- 2024 FSC Volunteer of the Year: Sarah Lifton, Olivenhain Fire Safe Council
- 2024 Project of the Year: Alvarado Estates Fire Safe Council
- 2024 Innovation Award: University City Fire Safe Council
- 2024 Outstanding Educator: Thomas Shoots, Fire Captain, CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire, Community Risk Reduction
“I would also like to recognize and thank the California Fire Safe Council and the Frantz Law Group who have provided funding for this event”, added Baldridge.
For 35 years, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation has been the only fire foundation supporting all of San Diego County. “We are proud to help fund the FSCs’ fire preparedness efforts, without which our communities and residents would be at greater danger from the devastating impact of wildfires. We are grateful to our generous major donors: the San Diego River Conservancy, San Diego Gas & Electric, and the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County for joining us in funding the work of the Fire Safe Councils,” said Joan Jones, Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.
“The work done by local Fire Safe Councils to prevent wildfires is essential to help keeping our local rivers healthy, protecting wildlife, native habitats, and providing recreational opportunities for all our residents.” said Julia Richards, Executive Officer of the San Diego River Conservancy.
“At SDG&E, the safety of our customers, employees, and the communities we serve is our highest priority,” said Brian D’Agostino, Vice President of Wildfire and Climate Science. “Our commitment to wildfire prevention and preparedness is central to our mission of supplying clean, safe, and reliable energy. Recognizing that preparedness is a collaborative effort, we support Fire Safe Councils through SDG&E’s SAFE San Diego Grant Program to meet community-specific needs with the necessary information and resources to help prevent and prepare for wildfires.”
The following Fire Safe Councils are receiving a grant award from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation:
- Alpine / Viejas
- Alvarado Estates
- Campo / Lake Morena
- Chula Vista
- Crest
- Cuyamaca Woods
- Eucalyptus Hills
- Fallbrook
- Jamul
- Julian
- Kensington
- Lakeside / San Diego Audubon Society
- Los Tules at Warner Springs
- Mt. Laguna
- Olivenhain
- Palomar Mountain
- Potrero / Tecate
- Poway
- Ramona West End
- Real East County
- Southwest Escondido
- University City
- Via Crest
- Wynola Estates
About the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation
For 35 years, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation has been the only fire foundation supporting all of San Diego County with the goal of “Making San Diego the Safest County in the Nation”. We accomplish this by providing fire and medical equipment to all fire agencies in the County with over 250 fire stations. Additionally, the Fire Foundation works to prevent fires and makes community members better prepared in case of fires by supporting all Fire Safe Councils in San Diego County. Lastly, we help prepare our youth for a career in public safety by supporting high school EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and firefighting training; and with scholarships to new firefighters to attend Fire Academies and Paramedic School. Visit www.sdfirefoundation.org.
About the San Diego River Conservancy
The San Diego River Conservancy is an independent and non-regulatory state agency established in 2002. The Conservancy’s Governing Board comprises state and local representatives and public members who form diverse partnerships committed to conserving these highly valued resources. The San Diego River Conservancy strives to accomplish its mission by preserving land, protecting open space, wildlife species, and native habitats, and providing recreational and educational opportunities. Since 2021, the San Diego River Conservancy has approved over $35 million in grants for San Diego County wildfire and forest resilience projects. https://sdrc.ca.gov/
About the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County
The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County is administered by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCDGSDC) and governed by a Board of Directors that includes representatives from local, state, federal, and tribal fire agency partners. The FSCSDC provides programs and services to further fire prevention, education, and safety throughout the county and encourage community involvement. Visit www.firesafesdcounty.org