Fallbrook officials urge homeowners to create defensible space, prepare for year‑round fire season

North County Fire Chief Keith McReynolds told attendees at the Fallbrook Wildfire Symposium that residents must take responsibility for protecting their homes because local resources cannot reach every structure during large wildfires. "If your expectation is that you're going to have a fire truck in your driveway during the next wildfire, your expectation is too high," McReynolds said.

Robert Johnson, public information officer for CalFire, said drought and changing weather mean "fire season" is now effectively year‑round. He urged year‑round maintenance of defensible space and described current legal requirements: a general 100‑foot defensible‑space requirement measured from a structure to fuels or to the property line, and an upcoming "zone zero" requirement that will mandate a noncombustible buffer 0–5 feet from a structure (applying to new construction immediately and to existing buildings beginning in 2026). "The state law requires that you maintain defensible space on your property at all times," Johnson said.

Speakers outlined specific, practical steps homeowners can take: reduce dead and dying fuels, keep grasses low, clear gutters and debris under decks, remove combustible materials adjacent to structures, and consider home‑hardening measures such as ember‑resistant venting and fire‑resistant siding. McReynolds noted that many structure losses occur from embers igniting materials close to homes after the flaming front has passed.

The symposium included resource booths and technical staff available after presentations to help residents plan defensible‑space work and home‑hardening projects.

The event closed with a reminder that local agencies will continue community outreach and that residents who want individualized guidance should speak with fire officials at the booths or contact North County Fire.