12/23/2025
Happy Holidays! Zone Zero article in today’s paper! All combustible materials at least five feet away from the house, tree limbs, plants, fire wood etc.
San Diego just fast-tracked new fire-safety rules for homes. Here’s what homeowners should know.
Thousands of homeowners will soon have to comply with controversial “Zone Zero” regulations that ban flammable material like plants within 5 feet of a home.
12/07/2025
Next Saturday - Spread the word! Brought to you by Your Rancho Helix de Oro Fire Safe Council! www.HelixFireSafety.org
07/08/2025
Thank you San Miguel Fire District Chief Andy Lawler for speaking at our Grossmont Mt Helix Improvement Association Annual Dinner on fire issues in our area.
This June, the Rancho Helix de Oro Fire Safe Council (FSC) was pleased to participate at the Grossmont Mt Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) annual dinner by distributing important fire safety literature and chatting with GMIA members. Chief Andy Lawler from the San Miguel Fire & Rescue made a presentation informing the Grossmont-Mt. Helix community on measures to protect and defend their homes in the event of a wildfire.
(add FSC Chief Lawler pics) (Photo: Chief Lawler, staff and FSC Chair Members)
The Rancho Helix de Oro Fire Safe Council is grateful to be one of the lucky recipients of a 2025 SAFE Grant from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation. This funding was made possible thanks to generous support from the San Diego River Conservancy.
The grant will help us continue our work in educating and preparing our community to help avoid devastating fires. The funds will be used primarily for production of print materials and banners with practical information such as evacuation plans, plant information, planting guides to create defensible space and home hardening for homeowners in our area.
The Rancho Helix de Oro Fire Safe Council
needs volunteers in the communities we serve
Grossmont-Mt Helix
Rancho San Diego
Casa de Oro
Vista Grande Hills
Rancho San Diego
The Rancho Helix de Oro Fire Safe Council is managed entirely by neighborhood volunteers. Combating the dangers of our dry and hot climate means that efforts by volunteers are most important for the safety of our communities. If each neighbor maintains safe landscaping and gardening practices, harden our homes as best we can, we’ll have a better chance to protect our community. Our work is primarily to inform and educate our neighbors about fire safe practices at community events through personal, social and print media. If you’d like to be a part of this very important organization, please email us at
[email protected]
03/05/2025
If you see something - say something.
Witnesses and phone data lead to suspect in North County fires
The Lilac fire, which forced middle-of-the-night evacuations, burned near Bonsall just after midnight Jan. 21
03/14/2023
Join us Saturday at the top of Mt. Helix! We will be there with a table and information on our Fire Emergency Plan.
01/02/2023
We will be at a table up at the Top of Mt. Helix! Come stop by and say hi and we will have community fire safe flyers to hand out! Be water wise and fire safe!
Join the 15th annual GMIA Walk to the Top on Jan. 7.
It’s less than two miles up and back, and you will get to walk with the Grossmont High School marching band, your friends, family and dogs!
At the top, you can take a breath, and enjoy the view with free coffee, water or snacks.
Jan. 7, 10 am, fire station on Vivera Drive
Don’t miss this!
10/21/2022
Fire information…Kathleen Coates Hedberg
: VEGETATION FIRE @ Willow Glen Dr. & Jamacha Rd., in incorporated ....⤵️ Established
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@ 5:49pm: IC starting to release units from scene - PER SCANNER ⚠️ FINAL UPDATE ⚠️
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@ 5:25pm: Forward ROS stopped at one (1) acre. Approx. three (3) hour commitment time for mop--up. Canceling incoming water tender & transport dozer - PER SCANNER & CALFIRE
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@ 5:11pm: Forward ROS has been STOPPED. Add'l hand crews requested - PER SCANNER
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@ 5:02pm: IC advised fire is one (1) acre, in heavy fuel with slow to moderate ROS & potential of 5 acres - PER SCANNER & CALFIRE
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@ 4:57pm: Crews having a difficult time accessing the fire to make a size determination. Doing their best at various areas. NO structures threatened at this time - PER SCANNER
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: Willow Glen Dr. & Jamacha Rd., in incorporated El Cajon
Units on scene of a reported vegetation fire behind a strip mall in the riverbed, including Copter 12. Fire has been upgraded to a medium wildland, with add'l units requested. Crews making access now, will update when a size up is provided - PER SCANNER & PULSE POINT
07/08/2022
Mt. Helix Station #21 - FIRE EXPO!
FREE PANCAKES & MORE!
SATURDAY, July 9, 2022 - 10AM - 2PM!
San Miguel Fire & Rescue District - Station #21
FREE CPR Training, Fire Safety Material and your Rancho Helix de Oro Fire Safe Council Community Fire Emergency Plan!
06/21/2022
FREE Event! Come on by our booth this Saturday at the Mt Helix Park and say hi and get a copy of the official local Fire Emergency Plan! Get tips on how to be water wise and fire safe!