Thank you to our firefighters

The past few weeks have seemed like a ticking time bomb. While the winds howled and the temperatures rose, the likelihood increased that a major wildfire could devastate our region. Two fires broke out a couple of weeks ago, one in Ramona and the other in Valley Center. Each had the potential to grow into major events, except within a few minutes, helicopters were in the air and boots were on the ground.

During my first 10 months on the San Diego Board of Supervisors much of my time has been spent on fire safety. County staff works comprehensively with Cal Fire, preparing for the worst. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the key to fire safety is getting ahead. That’s why I initiated board of supervisors’ action to enter into an agreement with San Diego Gas and Electric to have a helicopter that’s prepositioned in North County.

In March, Chairwoman Dianne Jacob and I brought forward a proposal to increase fire safety enhancements to strengthen fire safety for existing and future communities. Most importantly, we are using the newest technologies to help identify and fight fires. Two of the biggest differences between now and the past fires that have devastated our region are: first, we can identify fires seconds after they start around the county and, second, we have the air support to work 24/7.

These tools can’t prevent fires, but they give our brave men and women more assets to use in their response. I want to thank all those who battled the Santa Ana conditions to keep San Diego County safe last week, and I will continue to fight to get whatever is necessary to protect lives and property in our region.