Prevention over restoration is the goal of Atlas Wildfire Defense

Randy Vance and his business partner, Kier Ceballos, have seen enough tragic scenes of damaged or destroyed homes, not only in Fallbrook but as far north as Sanoma. Their new business, Atlas Wildfire Defense Co., is designed to help residents and businesses escape wildfires.

"We can avoid the trauma of a destructive fire at a fraction of the cost," Vance said in a recent interview. "I see this being so much better. Instead of coming in to help clean up a mess, what we can do instead is help prevent a structure from burning – at a 50th of the cost."

Vance and Ceballos are best friends and have traveled to various fire-damaged areas to assist homeowners and businesses like wineries and ranches.

"Kier and I have been with Servpro since 2015," Vance noted. "We love the opportunity to help and serve our communities and are excited to find another way that can prevent the need for restoring homes affected by wildfires."

Vance is president and Ceballos is vice president with the local SERVPRO business, but Vance said they would be equal partners in Atlas.

"We offer installing firebreaks, home hardening – a new law that has passed and we offer the service – installing intumescent material like ember-proof gutter guards, HVAC vent covers, etc. We also install sprinkler systems and treat properties with a product designed to prevent fires and be safe for the environment."

That last item, he said, is a food-grade product which is non-toxic and safe for plants, animals, and people.

"People are worried about their homes since most insurance companies will not cover wildfire damages," Vance said. "Now there's a solution to give a peace of mind at a low cost."

He also presented some steps people can take for themselves, noting that 90% of homes affected by wildfires are due to embers.

"One is keeping their gutters free from debris – or installing ember-proof gutter guards – which is one of our services. It's also essential to have evacuation strategies in place, and make sure they remove combustibles that are close to their home/structure," Vance said.

With the new home hardening laws in place, Vance said he encourages everyone to take protecting their homes as seriously as possible.

"If they don't do that, then we encourage them to make sure their insurance policy is still covering wildfire damages," he said.

"The sprays are great," the licensed contractor said, "because they really work and there are no bad chemicals. We have different products that are safe on trees, homes, etc."

He said he has already applied the products at several wineries in the state.

"This is a way to prevent your home from burning, too," he added. "It's available for everyone."

Vance noted that fire season is just beginning and that projections are that it will be a long year – after a dry past year – with wildfire threats through the rest of the year.

"This is so much better than making money off the misfortunes of others," Vance said. "It's a business opportunity that can help others."

Atlas Wildfire Defense Co. has offices in Oceanside and Fallbrook and has served from San Diego to Sonoma. For details, call 760-88ATLAS or visit atlaswildfire.com.