Greater Golden Hill Fire Safe Council
Greater Golden Hill is defined by its canyons — beautiful, alive, and a genuine wildfire risk. We're bordered on multiple sides by Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and wildfire is no longer a distant or seasonal threat. It's a year-round reality.
The Greater Golden Hill Fire Safe Council was founded by residents who decided to do something about it. We're part of San Diego County's network of more than 50 community Fire Safe Councils — the largest such network of any county in California.
Neighbors organizing to protect our homes, our canyons, and our community.
We're a community forum for sharing information and taking action — safeguarding lives, homes, and the canyon ecosystems that make this neighborhood worth protecting.
Our mission: neighbors protecting neighbors.
The City of San Diego has released its new Zone Zero regulations, effective for existing structures beginning February 2027. These rules require property owners to reduce the accumulation of vegetation and combustible materials near their homes — because wind-driven embers ignite most houses during wildfires, not the flames themselves.
Read the full guidelines → Guide to Defensible Space | City of San Diego (Includes a detailed FAQ)
One simple step you can take today: Gravel gardens are beautiful and fire-safe. Check out this recent San Diego Union-Tribune feature for inspiration and ideas to get started.
Zone Zero is Here – Is Your Property Ready?
Upcoming Programs
All programs are free and open to Greater Golden Hill residents.
Home Hardening
& Gardening Series
Pathfinders, 2980 Cedar St 6:00–7:30 PM
April 27 — Ember-buffering landscapes and best practices to reduce wildfire risk to your property. (Jesh Taucher, San Diego Canyonlands)
June 1 — Building fire-resilient, low-fuel gardens that protect your home and conserve water. (Greg Rubin, California's leading native landscape designer)
Green Waste
Dump-A-Thon
Clear your brush — we haul it away for free! From June 1-15 Dumpsters will be placed at:
Granada & Fir St (28th St Canyon)
1945 Felton St (Grape St dead end, near 34th St Canyon)
3153–3159 Ivy St (private canyon edge)
1603 Cedar & Felton
3248 A St (near Golden Hill Elementary / 32nd St Open Space)
Green waste only. No trash. No vegetation from public canyons.
Neighbors compiled these landscaping and brush maintenance contractors if you need helping clearing your property.
Defensible Space Assessment
CAL FIRE-trained volunteer Mike Tuke will walk your property and provide non-regulatory guidance to reduce fire risk and create defensible space. The assessment takes only 15 minutes. Here are links to background information and the assessment form.
Sign up: mtuke0522@gmail.com
Community Fire Safety Goals
True fire safety protects people, property, and the environment together. The GGH Fire Safe Council works toward three core goals:
Reduce fuels and ignition sources through responsible vegetation management and community education.
Strengthen homes and properties by promoting defensible space, fire-resistant materials, and preparedness planning.
Protect lives — residents, first responders, wildlife, and yes, the neighborhood chickens.
As a community, we pursue these through:
Education on disaster preparedness, evacuation routes, and emergency response.
Reducing fire risks from illegal camping in and around canyon areas.
Replacing invasive plants with fire-wise landscaping through our "Swapping Fire Fuel for Habitat" initiative.
Upgrading fire resistance of homes throughout the neighborhood, prioritizing low-income residents and seniors.
GGH is surrounded by Very High Fire Hazard Risk Severity Zones, shown here in red
On October 31, 2024, San Diego experienced its second-largest fire — the Montezuma Fire — igniting near Fairmount Avenue and triggering a massive emergency response. In its aftermath, neighborhood Fire Safe Councils like ours formed to make sure our community is ready next time.
Stay tuned to PGGH's newsletter and calendar for upcoming events. If you want to get involved early, consider joining the Fire Council.
Questions or comments? Reach us at fsc@preservegreatergoldenhill.com