Plan and prepare for next wildfire

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 residents in potentially hazardous communities. These licensed firefighters will create and execute a customized Safety and Prevention Plan for each home.

Safety and Prevention Plans include the formation of defensible space around a home or property as well as the fulfillment of many other required fire prevention tactics recommended by the fire departments throughout California.

Magre’s objective is to first educate homeowners about the risks associated with living in fire zones, then to establish a plan to decrease the probability of future fire destruction.

“I never thought it could happen to us twice in the same day. Two homes burned in ’07,” Magre said as he surveyed the burn remnants of his home.

Historic Ranch is licensed as a tree service contractor, landscaper and general contractor. The unification of all three licenses provides clientele the ease of completing several tasks with one comprehensive company.

Other services include, but are not limited to, the aesthetic trimming, pruning and removal of trees, stump grinding, hauling, stacking, chipping and any construction, maintenance, repair or installation involved in the development of landscape systems for public and private facilities.

Fire prevention awareness is essential for residents in potential hotspots.

Cliff Hunter, Fire Marshal for the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, said a service such as Magre’s ‘would be very helpful,’ if homeowners follow through and take recommended actions to protect their homes from wildfires.

For more information, contact Magre at (858) 756-5714 or [email protected].