Non-Emergencies call
(760) 751-7600

Burn Permits

There have been a steadily increasing number of incidents requiring the dispatch of fire engines and firefighters to suppress fires started by landowners and business owners in violation of the existing Fire Code. Examples of such violations are: burning without a valid burn permit; burning on "no burn" days; burning in violation of burn permit conditions; repetitive false alarms; impeding fire apparatus access; and maintaining unsafe conditions which result in a fire.

The District is allowed under its Fire Code to recover from an offending landowner fire suppression, investigative and other administrative costs associated with a fire caused by negligence or as a result of a violation of the law. These costs may be substantial in amount, often exceeding thousands of dollars per incident.

Lucia and Byrne said that it is unfair to District landowners who comply with the Fire Code to ultimately shoulder the unnecessary financial burden caused by landowners who fail to comply with the Code. Code violators also detract from the District's readiness and capabilities to provide fire suppression services for legitimate fire incidents.

For additional information regarding this release, contact the Fire Marshal or the District Administrator at (760) 751-7600.

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Valley Center Fire Protection District in cooperation with CALFIRE starts 2008 campaign against combustible weeds.
The memories of the 2007 San Diego Wildfires may be fading from view but the dangers are still real. The recent rains have resulted in the rapid growth of vegetation. This Vegetation will become "flash fuel" as the season's progress towards the hot and dry summer. Weather conditions such as the "Santa Ana" will quickly remove the moisture content of all the growing vegetation around our homes.
Everyone must take the action on their own, to cut and trim back these dangerous fuels. It is only the fuels that we have direct control over. Failure to remove these combustible vegetation areas, dead standing trees and failure to provide at least 100' of defensible space between our homes and the wild land areas will result in a future disaster.

Brush, Weeds & Vegetation
Within 100 feet of structures, landscape with low fire resistive plants, such as ground covers that do not transmit fire rapidly. You may retain "specimen native shrubs" if they are trimmed and are maintained free of all dead wood, duff, dry leaves, et cetera.
For clearing and fire protection around your home, use the following guidelines:

• Trees and shrubs should be trimmed away from buildings and chimneys.
• Remove dead leaves and pine needles from roofs and rain gutters.
• Keep your property free of accumulated combustibles such as dried vegetation, cuttings and wood piles.
• Roads and driveways should be well cleared of trees and brush to permit access for fire equipment.
• Make sure your house address is clearly marked and visible with a contrasting background.

Concerns about Brush Growth in your Neighborhood?
Each year the Valley Center Fire Protection District with CALFIRE inspects over 1,000 parcels for abatement of fire prone brush and grasses. Property owners are notified to clear their parcels, with most complying by an issued deadline.
After the first notice, the Valley Center Fire Protection District and CALFIRE identifies any non-complying parcels and causes them to be brought into compliance.
Should you receive a notice from the Valley Center Fire Protection District (CALFIRE), Please act on it promptly.
If you have a concern about fire prone brush near your home, please call the Valley Center Fire Protection District at 760-751-7600.
Someone will investigate whether brush removal or other mitigation measures are necessary.

The San Diego Surfrider chapter, along with "I Love a Clean San Diego", the American Heart Association are working with the Californian Highway Patrol (CHP) and San Diego Fire Department to announce that the CHP is cracking down on smokers who throw their butts out the car window while driving.

The CHP joined the coalition efforts by setting up a hotline number that people can call if they see cigarette butts being tossed onto our streets and highways. After the phone call is received, the CHP will send a warning letter to the alleged violator.

It's easy to participate.
1) See someone throwing a cigarette butt out the window of their car
2) Dial 1-800-NOSMOKE and read in the license plate
3) The CHP will send a warning letter to the alleged violator.

If you live in San Diego, program that number into your phone

Making plans ahead of time can often mean the difference between tragedy and survival. And, while the VCFPD and other emergency responders are dedicated to making your life safer, no one agency or governmental entity can do everything that needs to be done to protect you in all circumstances.

Good planning includes having knowledge of your community, its terrain, its roads, the best places to go or avoid in an emergency, what media stations to turn to during a disaster for information, and many other things.

Don't delay. Start planning today!

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