Protecting Homes from Wildfire: Free Assessment & Wildfire Educational Training
Homeowners in Ramona, one of five areas eligible for this program in San Diego County, can now access free home assessments and defensible space assistance through the 2025 Home Assessment and Defensible Space Assistance Programs. PLUS, plan to attend the Firewise Educational Training on April 12.
SIGN UP TODAY! Assessments will take place between Monday, March 31 and Friday, April 11.
As SDCEA homeowners, you now have an opportunity to enhance your wildfire resilience with free home assessments and defensible space assistance. The Home Assessment Program (HAP) and the Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP), administered by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County in partnership with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, aim to reduce wildfire risks by helping residents prepare their properties.
The Home Assessment Program provides a 30–45-minute evaluation of a home’s vulnerability to wildfire and ember ignition. Trained specialists review defensible space zones (Zone 0, 1, and 2), suggest fire-resistant landscaping, and recommend home-hardening measures. This service is available free of charge in Ramona, thanks to grant funding from San Diego Gas & Electric and the California Fire Safe Council. Homeowners must register at www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap.
For those needing additional assistance, the
Defensible Space Assistance Program provides
one day of brush clearance, tree trimming, pine needle removal, and vegetation chipping. Services follow
CAL FIRE and local fire agency ordinances. To qualify, homeowners must first complete the form for the
Home Assessment Program.
If you're unable to afford or complete brush removal on your property and you qualify, this program can help. Removing brush within 5–50 feet and 50–100 feet of your home significantly increases its chances of surviving a wildfire. It also gives firefighters a better opportunity to defend your property. Take action now — this effort could make all the difference.
The Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP) is designed to assist homeowners who need to create defensible space, and who are not able to do so because of physical, economic, or other barriers. Complete the Home Assessment Program Application and fill out information at the bottom to apply:
- You must be the legal owner of the property to be serviced.
- You must first participate in the Home Assessment Program and have a visit completed by one of DSAP trained staff members. If you meet the DSAP eligibility requirements, you may be referred to this program to assist with the recommendations made in the assessment. You will not have to complete an additional application.
- You must be unable to complete this work due to economic barriers:
- One-person household: Income is less than $63,660 (annually).
- Two-person household: Income is less than $72,720 (annually).
- Applicants who are both disabled and/or elderly and experiencing financial barriers are prioritized. Applicants who live in high or very high fire severity zones are prioritized.
- Applicants who have recently received a notice to abate from a fire protection district are prioritized.
This initiative ensures that homeowners, especially those facing economic or physical barriers, receive the support they need to protect their properties. For more information, visit www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap or contact Morgan Dioli at 619-562-0096 x107 or morgan.dioli@rcdsandiego.org.
Don’t wait until the fire season arrives. Act today to safeguard your home and community.
REGISTER FOR AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY EVENT!
Firewise Educational Training
When neighbors come together, we build more than defensible space—we create a stronger, safer community. The Firewise Educational Training event is designed to help educate and empower our community. By working side by side to clear brush and reduce fire risk, we create a connected network of protection—what experts call a “community fire break.” One home alone can’t stop a wildfire, but a neighborhood working together can make a powerful difference. Join us to learn how your efforts, along with those of your neighbors, can truly help protect the place we all call home.
Date: April 12, 2025
Location: International Equestrian Center, Rotunda @ 16911 Gunn Stage Road, Ramona
Register Today: Firewise Educational Training Form
Check-in at 8:30 am, program starts at 9:30 am to 12 – 12:30 pm
- Learn how to protect your home from Wildfires, what are “Safe Zones,” and how to help make our community safer for all our residents.
- Evacuations – what you need to know and how it works.
Guest speakers are CAL FIRE, Ramona Sheriff’s Department, and County of San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office as well as others, with time allotted for Q & A.
Information was provided by Richard Drewery, SDCEA Fire Safety Committee – Chairman of the Firewise Sub-Committee and Resident Leader of the Firewise NFPA, and Kristi Masloff, President of the Ramona West End Fire Safe Council.
