San Diego Fire-Rescue and the Environmental Services Department are partnering to use a citrus-based fire retardant called Citrotech to treat areas where homeless encampments were recently cleared. This proactive approach aims to reduce the risk of future fires, especially during the colder months when fires are more likely to start.
In an effort to combat the increasing risk of fires, San Diego Fire-Rescue and the city's Environmental Services Department are working together to proactively treat areas where homeless encampments have been cleared. Using a citrus-based fire retardant called Citrotech, they are spraying these locations to prevent the likelihood of future fires.
This collaboration stems from a grant program that allows the Fire Department to target high-risk areas, evacuation routes, and previously occupied homeless encampments. \\\The team emphasizes the importance of this preventative measure, especially during the colder months when fires are more likely to start due to people seeking warmth. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of every fire, data obtained by ABC 10News reveals a concerning trend. Between January and November 2024, there were over 900 fires potentially started by unhoused individuals. These fires were categorized as vegetation fires, rubbish fires, illegal burns, and other types of fires. The Fairmount Fire in October 2024, which occurred near a homeless encampment, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these situations. \\\This proactive approach is seen as a game-changer by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. They believe that addressing the root causes and preventing fires before they start is crucial for protecting the community. Deputy Chief - Fire Marshall Tony Tosca states, 'My job as a Fire Marshal is to address the likelihood of the spread of fires or reduce that risk to protect our communities. That’s my sworn duty to do,' He adds, 'So preventative, proactive in concert with the suppression effort is a key factor.' The use of fire retardants and the ongoing efforts to clear and treat encampments are essential steps in mitigating the risk of further fire incidents
FIRE PREVENTION HOMELESSNESS SAN DIEGO FIRE RETARDANT CITROTECH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FIRE DEPARTMENT
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