A Perspective on Fighting Urban Wildfire The trusty neighborhood fire hydrant, the anchor of fire safety and pissoir of the pooch is understood less than we might imagine. The purpose of a hydrant is to create a readily available supply of water for fighting a house fire in urban and suburban areas where a water distribution…
San Diego faces an increasing wildfire threat due to prolonged droughts, Santa Ana winds, and expanding urban development. As the city continues to grow, Smart Growth principles offer a sustainable approach to reducing wildfire risk while supporting responsible urban planning. Proper Infill Strategies Smart Growth encourages compact, infill development in lower-risk areas rather than expanding into Very…
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, urban planning plays a critical role in reducing risk and ensuring community resilience. Thoughtful development strategies can help mitigate wildfire impacts while fostering safer, more sustainable cities. Strategic Land Use Planning Urban planning should prioritize development in low-risk areas while limiting expansion into Very High Fire Hazard Severity…
As wildfire threats continue to escalate, cities are turning to innovative technologies to enhance early detection, response, and mitigation efforts. From remote cameras to drone surveillance, modern solutions are transforming urban wildfire management. Remote Camera and Sensor Monitoring One of the most effective advancements in wildfire detection is the use of remote cameras and sensor…
As wildfires become increasingly prevalent, older communities that were not originally designed with fire resilience in mind must adapt to ensure long-term sustainability and safety. Unlike new developments, these established neighborhoods require retrofitting and strategic improvements rather than ground-up planning. Retrofitting Homes and Infrastructure Existing homes can be made more fire-resistant through simple but effective…