The importance of disaster preparedness took center stage in Chula Vista on Saturday, May 2, as the Chula Vista Fire Department, alongside Chula Vista Animal Services, marked National Wildfire Preparedness Day and National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day with a community-focused event aimed at protecting residents, homes, and pets.
Held at Chula Vista Fire Department Station 5 on Orange Avenue the event brought together fire officials, animal services personnel, and community members for a discussion on how to prepare before disaster strikes. With wildfire risk continuing to pose a serious concern across the region, officials emphasized that early planning remains one of the most effective ways to reduce harm and improve safety outcomes.
Fire Chief Chris Manroe, Fire Captain Chris Kastelic, and Director of Animal Services Ashley Milo led the presentation, each addressing different aspects of preparedness. Several dogs from the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility were also present, reinforcing the importance of including pets in emergency planning.
A central focus of the event was a four-step approach outlined by Manroe to help residents reduce wildfire risk.
The first step—managing vegetation—emphasizes maintaining defensible space up to 100 feet from homes. Residents were advised to trim overhanging branches, remove dead or damaged limbs within 6 to 10 feet of the ground, and eliminate plants containing resins, oils, or waxes. Officials also recommended using nonflammable materials such as crushed stone or gravel within five feet of structures and performing regular landscape maintenance.
The second step focuses on building fire-resistant homes. This includes using Class A fire-rated roofing materials, inspecting and repairing loose or missing shingles, enclosing eaves while maintaining proper ventilation, and installing screens over roof and attic vents.
Homeowners were also encouraged to clear debris from decks and porches, avoid storing flammable materials near structures, and consider fire-resistant siding and dual-pane tempered glass windows.
Keeping access routes clear is the third priority. Fire officials stressed the importance of ensuring street signs and house numbers are clearly visible, along with maintaining driveways at least 12 feet wide with 15 feet of vertical clearance to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
The final step centers on readiness before an emergency occurs. Residents were encouraged to create and practice a family evacuation plan that includes pets, identify at least two exit routes from their neighborhood, and establish a designated meeting place. Annual insurance checkups and maintaining an updated home inventory were also recommended.
In addition to prevention efforts, officials highlighted the importance of staying informed during emergencies. Residents were encouraged to download Genasys Protect and AlertSanDiego to receive real-time alerts, updates, and evacuation instructions.
Animal safety was also a key component of the event. Milo and her team shared guidance on preparing pet emergency kits, keeping identification current, and ensuring evacuation plans include animals.
Attendees were able to view equipment and vehicles used by CVFD crews to clear vegetation, offering a closer look at the tools involved in wildfire mitigation. Supplemental footage of fuel crews clearing brush near neighborhoods and firefighters responding to incidents was also made available as part of the department’s outreach efforts.
While the event underscored the ongoing risks associated with wildfires, the message remained clear: preparation can significantly reduce the impact of disasters. For the Chula Vista Fire Department and its partners, the focus remains on equipping the community with the tools and knowledge needed long before an emergency occurs.
