RANCHO SANTA FE — After having two homes burn in the San Diego Witch Creek fires of 2007, Gene Magre is focusing on preventing rather than curing a problem.

Historic Ranch, Inc., a Rancho Santa Fe-based corporation, was established by Magre 20 years ago to restore vintage homes in the historic community of Rancho Santa Fe.

Now, Historic Ranch has expanded and developed a unique division whose goal is to prevent future devastation from nearby wildfires that are so prevalent in Southern California.

Historic Ranch Fire Division has recruited experienced wildland firefighters to assist res...