San Diego Fire Rescue Tackles University Heights Vegetation Fire: What You Need to Know

“Suddenly, I saw smoke, and then a palm tree caught fire. The whole canyon lit up,” Howard Wu, a University Heights resident, recalled.

Wu was outside cleaning when he heard voices coming from the canyon. Curious, he looked, only to discover flames spreading quickly. He immediately called 9-1-1.

San Diego Fire-Rescue received the alert about a brush fire around 1:30 p.m. and deployed 120 firefighters along with two helicopters. They managed to extinguish the flames, but about 30 minutes later, two additional palm trees ignited.

“My first thought was, not again! I started yelling, ‘Fire! Fire!’ Luckily, the trucks were still nearby. I called out for firefighters to come back, and they quickly rushed into the canyon,” Wu said.

Deputy Fire Chief Brent Brainard reported that one firefighter sustained a neck burn from an ember. He was taken to the hospital but is expected to recover.

When Tony Long, a longtime local, got a fire alert on his phone, his first instinct was to check on his parents. “Evacuating loved ones is crucial,” he said.

Having grown up in the area, Long noted that the vegetation has thickened significantly over the past 20 years, making fire safety even more critical.

Firefighters are urging residents to create defensible space around their homes to minimize fire risks. “We want residents to take this seriously. Working with our community risk reduction division can help protect homes and allow us to respond more effectively when fires break out,” advised Deputy Brainard.

As the situation develops, San Diego Fire-Rescue plans to keep resources on-site overnight. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

In recent years, wildfires have become increasingly common in Southern California. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the state has seen a substantial rise in fire incidents. In 2022 alone, over 8,000 fires burned across approximately 360,000 acres. With factors like climate change and urban expansion, it’s more important than ever for communities to prioritize fire safety.

A survey from the National Fire Protection Association revealed that many residents feel unprepared for wildfires, yet over 60% believe they should take proactive measures to protect their homes. By staying informed and prepared, communities can help mitigate future risks.

For more tips on fire preparedness, you can check out resources from the [California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection](https://www.fire.ca.gov/), which provides guidelines for creating defensible spaces and understanding fire risks in your area.

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Fires, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department