Crest residents urged to take action against wildfire risks with free Home Assessment Program

by Miriam Raftery | April 21, 2026 12:18 am

By Morgan Dioli  and Diana Griffin

April 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest community is stepping up wildfire preparedness efforts by participating in the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 2026 Home Assessment Program. It’s a free, voluntary service designed to help residents reduce wildfire risks and improve defensible space around their homes.

As one of the most wildfire-prone areas in the region, Crest faces ongoing challenges, especially with newly released Zone 0 guidance and updated Wildfire Severity Zone maps. Many residents are left wondering how best to protect their homes and families. The 2026 Home Assessment Program helps answer those questions by offering one-on-one evaluations conducted by trained, non-regulatory staff. The assessments focus on home hardening, vegetation management, and defensible space practices aligned with current fire science and Cal Fire recommendations.

Crest Fire Safe Council (CFSC) Chair Diana Griffin first learned about the program in 2025, when it was limited to other parts of San Diego County. Once Crest was identified as a priority community for 2026, CFSC began actively promoting the program to local residents.

“Wildfire preparedness starts at home,” Fire Safe Council President Donald Butz said. “Our Home Assessment Program empowers residents with practical, customized guidance they can use immediately to reduce risk and better protect their families, homes, and neighborhoods.”

The program reflects strong collaboration among local, regional, and state partners working toward a shared goal of wildfire resilience.

“Community programs like the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s Home Assessment Program are a critical part of San Diego County’s cohesive fire strategy,” Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief Tony Mecham said. “By working together at the state, county, and local level, we’re helping residents take meaningful action to reduce wildfire risk, create defensible space, and increase community resilience across the region.”

During a home assessment, participants receive:

• A personalized wildfire resilience evaluation
• Recommendations for defensible space and vegetation management
• Guidance on home hardening and ember-resistant construction
• Educational resources and referrals tailored to their property and neighborhood

The program is free and available to residents in the 2026 priority service area, which includes Crest, Harbison Canyon, Chula Vista, Bonita, Spring Valley, and other high-risk communities. For residents facing financial or physical challenges, additional help with vegetation management may be available through the Defensible Space Assistance Program.

The 2026 Home Assessment Program is funded by San Diego Gas & Electric and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection through California Climate Investments, as part of the California Fire Safe Council’s County Coordinator Grant Program. These efforts support the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s mission to build wildfire-resilient communities through education, collaboration, and local action.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited. To learn more or request a home assessment, visit: www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap[1], or contact Morgan Dioli, Wildfire Resilience Program Manager, at 619-562-0096, or by email at firesafe@rcdsandiego.org[2].

 

Morgan Dioli is the Wildfire Resilience Program Manager, Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County / Fire Safe Council of San Diego County. Diana Griffin is Chair of the Crest Fire Safe Council.

 

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