Staying Fire-Ready: Top Safety Tips from Captain Ramirez
As Ramona enters the height of fire season, San Diego Country Estates Fire Captain Bert Ramirez has one message for residents: "Preparation saves property and lives."
Captain Ramirez has been a fire captain for 25 years and has led Fire Station 81 for 12 of those years. Throughout this time, Captain Ramirez has been dedicated to enhancing community safety, especially during fire season. He has been actively involved in educating residents about wildfire preparedness, emphasizing the importance of creating defensible space around homes and having clear evacuation plans in place. "34 years total and I love what I do," says Ramirez. "I'm still going strong."
Ramirez says that fire season is declared here from late spring to late fall. He adds that fire season in Southern California is year-round and ramps up when Santa Ana winds pick up, which can extend the season through winter.
To ensure your home is protected in the event of a wildfire, Captain Ramirez recommends hardening your home by sealing vents with ember-resistant screens, cleaning gutters regularly, and replacing flammable mulch near the house with rock or gravel, as flying embers are a leading cause of home ignition.
One of the most effective ways to protect your home is by maintaining at least 100 feet of defensible space. This means trimming trees, clearing dry grass, and keeping anything flammable, such as woodpiles and patio furniture, away from structures.
"Have a plan and a meeting point," says Ramirez. "Plan your escape route and have a plan for your animals too." Create an evacuation strategy and practice it before it's needed. It's important to have a ready-to-go emergency bag that should include essentials like medication, important documents, water, pet supplies, and a change of clothes. You don't want to be scrambling for things when the clock is ticking. Ramirez says to also think about which pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia you would like to take with you in case of a fire. He says residents should ask themselves, "What would I take if I had five minutes?"
The role that Fire Station 81 plays in keeping residents informed during an evacuation is to coordinate with the Sheriff's Department and Reverse 911, which uses phone calls to deliver critical information or warnings. The fire station tells the Sheriff Department which areas need to be evacuated, and they work closely together. Patrol cars are sent out to evacuate, and announcements are made from the Sheriff Department helicopter flying overhead. "Don't wait to evacuate," says Ramirez. He adds that during a fire, if you don't feel safe, you don't have to wait for an order to evacuate.
Another tip is to help us help you, he says. Keep the brush cleared around your home and be ready to go. A good website to get more tips is Ready, Set Go!
Staying informed is another key step, and Ramirez stresses the importance of signing up for Alert San Diego and following San Diego County Free for real-time updates.
From lifesaving tools like Reverse 911 to their constant presence in times of need, first responders play a vital role in our community's safety. In recognition of their commitment, residents gathered to express their gratitude with an appreciation day on Tuesday, October 28, at The Gym Ramona for first responders. The event honored local law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and military families for their service to the community. Thank you to our firefighters and first responders for keeping our communities and residents safe.
Photo courtesy of Bert Ramirez.
Firefighters - left to right:
Station 81 (L-R:) Fire Apparatus Engineer/Paramedic Jason Andaya, Fire Apparatus Engineer Ryan Jones, Fire Captain Bert Ramirez, Firefighter James Boyer, Fire Apparatus Engineer/Paramedic Billy Grillo.
