About – Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council
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About SRFSC

Neighbors.
Volunteers.
Fire Safe.

Since 2004, the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council has worked to reduce wildfire risk for every household in our community — through education, fuel reduction, and the belief that neighbors protecting neighbors is the most powerful force there is.

Founded 2004  ·  501(c)(3)  ·  San Diego County
SRFSC members with SDPD at the 2023 Scripps Ranch 4th of July parade
SRFSC with San Diego Police at the Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade, 2023 — marking 20 years since the Cedar Fire
20+
Years protecting
Scripps Ranch
650+
Residential firebreaks
established
340
Dangerous trees
removed
12
Partner agencies
in our alliance

Our history

How it
all started

On October 26, 2003, the Cedar Fire swept into Scripps Ranch and destroyed 312 homes. Firefighters stopped the blaze just 70 feet from entering our canyon. A local firefighter told us: had it entered, 200 more homes would have been lost. We called it Chimney Canyon — and we got to work.

Our neighborhood borders a City-owned canyon filled with mostly dead Eucalyptus trees and 25 years of dry, volatile groundfuel. The threat had been there for years. The Cedar Fire made it impossible to ignore. A group of homeowners formed The Chimney Canyon Fire Safe Council — determined to clear that fuel and build a real firebreak.

We discovered the California Fire Safe Council and formed the first urban FSC chapter in San Diego County. In early 2004 we incorporated as a 501(c)(3), unlocking Federal fire prevention grants and the California Conservation Corps. By August 2004, two U.S. Forest grants were secured and a 100-foot firebreak was underway.

In January 2005 we partnered with the Scripps Ranch Civic Association, changed our name, and extended our mission to cover all 12,000 homes. By July 2005 we had formed an Alliance with 12 federal, state, and civic organizations all working toward the same goal.

When the Witch Creek Fire threatened in 2007, Scripps Ranch was more prepared. Today, over two decades later, we continue to clear trails, establish firebreaks, remove hazardous trees, plant new ones, and keep the community informed every single month.

Fire Safety Expo with Mayor Todd Gloria at Jerabek Park, October 2022
Fire Safety Expo with Mayor Todd Gloria, Jerabek Park — October 2022
SRFSC welcoming State Senator Brian Jones to Scripps Ranch
Welcoming State Senator Brian Jones to Scripps Ranch

Our milestones

Two decades
of progress

2003
Cedar Fire
312 homes destroyed in Scripps Ranch. Firefighters hold the fire 70 feet from Chimney Canyon. The community galvanizes.
2004
Founded as a 501(c)(3)
First urban Fire Safe Council chapter in San Diego County. Federal grants secured. California Conservation Corps engaged. 100-foot firebreak built.
2005
Community-Wide Mission
Renamed SRFSC. Alliance formed with 12 federal, state, and civic organizations. Mission expanded to all 12,000 homes in Scripps Ranch.
2007
Witch Creek Fire
Scripps Ranch prepared and protected. Firebreaks and community preparedness efforts credited with protecting hundreds of homes.
Today
Ongoing Mission
650+ firebreaks. 340 dangerous trees removed. 165 new trees planted. Monthly newsletters. Annual Play to Protect Golf Tournament.

Our work

What we do

Fuel Reduction & Firebreaks

Working with homeowners and the City of San Diego to clear dead vegetation, remove dangerous trees, and establish defensible space along canyon edges and residential properties across Scripps Ranch.

650+
Firebreaks
340
Trees removed
6
Trails cleared

Community Education

Monthly newsletters, community open houses, and the annual Play to Protect Golf Tournament keep every Scripps Ranch household informed, prepared, and engaged with fire safety year-round.

12K
Homes reached
12
Newsletters/year

Agency Alliances

Active partnerships with 12 federal, state, and civic organizations — including CAL FIRE, San Diego Fire-Rescue, the Scripps Ranch Civic Association, and the California Conservation Corps.

12
Partners
20+
Years active

Leadership

Board of Directors

KR
Kristin Rayder
President
JG
Jessie Gates
Treasurer
KH
Karen Herreros
Secretary
DM
Dave Mason
Board Member
SW
Sandy Wetzel-Smith
Board Member
CS
Chad Smith
Board Member
SRFSC board with Assemblymember Brian Maienshein
L to R: Karen Herreros, Sandy Wetzel-Smith, Assemblymember Brian Maienshein, Jessie Gates, Kristin Rayder, Dave Mason
Want to get involved? SRFSC is entirely volunteer-run. Call 858-201-3711 or email srfiresafecouncil@gmail.com to learn how to join the team.

Get in touch

We’re your
neighbors.
Say hello.

Whether you want to volunteer, ask about protecting your home, or simply learn more — we’d love to hear from you. Every SRFSC member lives right here in Scripps Ranch.

Phone
858-201-3711
Email
srfiresafecouncil@gmail.com
Mailing Address
9903 Businesspark Ave #102
San Diego, CA 92131
Donate
Support SRFSC via Venmo