Category: Urban Wildland Interface


  • What Do Fire Hydrants Really Do?

    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…

  • Ensuring Safety: Smart Growth and Wildfire Threats in San Diego

    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…

  • Creating Sustainable Communities in Fire-Prone Areas

    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…