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Escondido adopts 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan; council unanimously approves priority framework
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2025‑112 and endorsed a plan that identifies vulnerable wildland‑urban interface neighborhoods, prioritizes fuel reduction, home hardening and public education, and positions the city to pursue state and federal wildfire mitigation grants.
The Escondido City Council voted 5‑0 Oct. 15 to adopt the city’s updated 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) by approving Resolution 2025‑112.
Deputy Fire Chief Tyler Batson, Deputy Fire Marshal Levona Koretsky and consultant Caitlin Kreutz (SWCA) presented the document, which replaces the city’s 2011 plan. Batson said the CWPP is “a comprehensive planning tool to identify wildfire risk throughout the community and make recommendations to reduce risk through fuel mitigation, public education, and improved wildfire response.” The update, staff said, is intended to align local priorities with state and federal grant cycles and to guide near‑term mitigation projects.
Key elements and recommendations
The CWPP combines computer modeling, on‑the‑ground hazard assessments and community outreach (surveys, stakeholder workshops and public meetings) to identify the wildland‑urban interface neighborhoods most at risk. Recommended actions include targeted fuel‑reduction projects on public and private lands, defensible‑space programs, home hardening initiatives, contractor education, and public outreach. Staff said the plan also includes project tables identifying likely stakeholders, benefits and potential state and federal funding sources.
Council discussion and direction
Councilmembers generally supported prioritizing public education, home hardening, and contractor training as foundational efforts. Several councilmembers noted the importance of identifying vulnerable residents (for example seniors or low‑income households) who may need financial assistance for vegetation removal or home hardening, and asked staff to seek grant opportunities that could offset those costs.
Formal action
Councilmember Dana M. White moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑112 and implement the CWPP; Councilmember Fitzgerald seconded. Voting was 5‑0 in favor.
Next steps
Staff recommended the council (1) adopt the CWPP; (2) provide direction on priority projects; and (3) pursue state and federal grants and partner coordination to start implementation. Staff said they will return to council for project‑level approvals and when grant opportunities require local match or policy decisions.
Ending
The CWPP adoption is intended to improve the city’s grant competitiveness and to provide a framework for near‑term mitigation and long‑term community resilience work.
