SANTEE —
The city of Santee last week declared a local emergency because of potentially dangerous fire conditions along the San Diego River corridor, where there have been more than two dozen fires so far this year.
The proclamation, unanimously approved by the City Council, will allow the city to immediately forge ahead with work to create firebreaks and reduce vegetation.
Because of the emergency nature of the work, the city will not be required to seek competitive bidding.
Santee is accepting $500,000 in grant money from the San Diego River Conservancy and will spend a maximum $325,000 of city funds to construct firebreaks near structures, and cut down on the fuel that makes fires grow.
With an accumulation of dead, diseased and dry vegetation and invasive tree growth, the likelihood of more fires is a real threat to homes near the San Diego River.
The city reports that the Santee Fire Department has responded to 26 calls for service in the riverbed area from Jan. 1 through July 27. Those calls have been related to wildland fires, smoke checks, illegal burns and rubbish fires.
“I would feel confident in saying they’re human started,” said Santee Fire Chief John Garlow.
A trail on the San Diego River at Santee where 10 feet of plant life on both sides will be cleared out to minimize fire risk.
(Kristian Carreon / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Santee staff cited extreme peril to residents and property, the year-round fire season and the frequency of fires along the corridor as being of top concern.
Garlow said a big concern is seniors and those with mobility issues in the area who could be slow getting out of harm’s way.
The city identified eight areas where structures are within 100 feet of vegetation in the river bottom.
“We felt it was necessary to create defensible space between the structures and vegetation for the safety of our firefighters and the protection of the property,” Garlow said.
Areas of concern include 9088 to 9144 Willowgrove Ave., 9057 to 9249 Carlton Oaks Drive, 9502 Hillcreek Way to 11048 Hillcreek Road, 9717 to 9775 San Remo Road, 9025 Carlton Hills Blvd. to 9055 Willowgrove Ave., 9444 Abraham Way to 11478 N. Woodside Ave., and 9631 to 9665 Ramsgate Way.
Garlow said the money from the conservancy will allow Santee to create needed public safety corridors.
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August 15, 2021 at 08:00PM
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Santee declares local emergency to expedite fire-prevention measures along riverbed - The San Diego Union-Tribune
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