How Dulzura residents can apply to protect homes against wildfires

DULZURA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A new program aimed to protect homes from wildfires launched Tuesday in the Dulzura area.

County Fire/Cal Fire San Diego are supplying defensible space and home retrofits to harden homes against wildfires, the County of San Diego said in a news release Tuesday.

Some of the actions that will be done include clearing trees, brush or other things that can burn, away from your home; replacement of roof, doors, vents or other parts of the home, according to county officials.

One home in the Dulzura area had trees and brush removed to create defensible space.

“Then construction contractors moved in to replace combustible materials untreated wood trim, a wood deck, nylon window screens, and vents in the foundation and roof to further protect the home from wildfires and embers,” the county said.

Homes that qualify include, single-family, multi-family (not apartment complexes, duplexes, manufactured homes and mobile homes. The county said homes do not have to be a primary residence as rental units will be accepted — the legal homeowner must apply.

Only Dulzura residents can apply for the Home Hardening Initiative through the San Diego County’s website at this time. Applications for homes in Potrero and Campo will be coming in the future, per county officials.

The plan, which provides help to qualifying low- and moderate-income households for free in many cases, is part of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program.

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