Reducing Fire Danger and Addressing Homelessness

I am pleased to share that today, my proposal "Reducing Fire Danger Through Emergency Encampment Clearings During Red Flag Warnings" was approved by the Board of Supervisors. This critical step will help prevent avoidable wildfires and enhance public safety throughout San Diego County.

This initiative directs County staff to explore options for emergency encampment removals during red flag warnings, prioritizing the safety of our communities and the individuals living in encampments. Additionally, it encourages collaboration with all jurisdictions to adopt similar fire prevention measures.

Many of you have reached out to ask, "Where will people go if encampments are cleared?" That’s a great question, and I want to address it.

I firmly believe that allowing individuals to live on sidewalks and in squalor is not a compassionate or sustainable solution—especially when many are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. We must balance public safety with human dignity, offering real pathways to stability while maintaining order in our communities.

Here are a few key options available to those who may be displaced:

1. Regional Homeless Assistance Program: This program offers motel vouchers to individuals who are willing to accept help. It also includes case management, with a high success rate in transitioning participants into permanent housing upon exiting the program.

2. Safe Parking Lot Program: For those with vehicles, the County operates safe parking lots, providing a secure place to stay and access to supportive services.

3. Tiny Home Initiative: The County will soon launch a tiny home initiative, expanding affordable housing options and offering another viable alternative to living on the streets.

For those who refuse assistance and are also violating laws beyond illegal camping, enforcement measures—including mandated treatment—may be necessary. This is not a blanket approach for all experiencing homelessness but rather a targeted response to individuals who decline help and pose a risk to themselves and the community.

Our goal is not only to reduce fire risks but also to address the root causes of homelessness through supportive programs and, when needed, appropriate enforcement actions.

Thank you for your continued engagement and thoughtful questions. I am committed to keeping you informed and working collaboratively to make our community safer and stronger for everyone.

by San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond | February 28, 2025

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