San Diego, CA
New fire hazard map reveals risks in La Jolla and beyond
Several areas of La Jolla are identified as having “very high” fire hazards in a new assessment by Cal Fire, the first new map since 2011 laying out fire hazard zones across the state.
Soledad Natural Park, La Jolla Heights Natural Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and UC San Diego were areas of La Jolla given the highest level of concern.
The new map ranks hazard zones as “moderate,” “high” or “very high,” rather than just “very high,” as in years past.
Cal Fire’s interactive Fire Hazard Severity Zone map is available online atbit.ly/3G8CzSM. Users can toggle among ZIP codes to see their community.
Key differences in La Jolla between the 2011 and 2025 maps include an expansion of the “very high” hazard zones to La Jolla Heights Natural Park all the way to the coast. In 2011, that area was unmarked.
Some portions of the UC San Diego area were downgraded to “high” and “moderate” risk, while areas like Cliffridge Park did not receive a classification on the updated map.
On the other hand, the Soledad Natural Park area saw a marked increase in “high risk” designations.
The total amount of designated acreage in La Jolla is not available, as it is grouped with San Diego County at large.
Cal Fire studied several factors in drawing the map, including types of vegetation, slope, climate and fire history.
In wildland areas, the agency considers potential spread and intensity. In non-wildland areas, it also calculates tree cover, the possible number of embers and where they are likely to land due to wind patterns, according to Cal Fire.
Areas with similar slopes and flammability are grouped into zones. Two main factors are considered — burn probability and expected fire behavior under extreme conditions. The probability of fire, combined with potential flame length, indicate which areas are most hazardous.
Dave Sapsis, Cal Fire research manager for the Fire and Resource Assessment Program, said the three-level classification system, “not unlike a report card,” is “sort of an expansion of the program and mapping into cities, which is just going to be different no matter what. I think that actually is important because it reflects, fundamentally, the influence of likelihood.”
While the maps indicate hazard risk, “at this juncture, we don’t have the capacity to understand how to predict structure ignition,” Sapsis said. ”It’s just a hazard model, and it’s best referred to as such.”
San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, whose District 1 includes La Jolla, said he’s glad to see updated maps “based on more substantial data than has been used in the past” and reflecting the nuances between “very high,” “high” and “moderate” hazard zones.
“It has a dual purpose,” LaCava said. “One, it is for public awareness. But also [it] will help guide the city of San Diego’s efforts.”
LaCava has heard constituents raise concerns about fire safety, including at his March 5 town hall meeting in La Jolla, which pushed a group of local residents to pursue formation of a La Jolla Fire Safe Council, a community preparedness and prevention organization comparable to a Neighborhood Watch for crime.
Is it time for a Fire Safe Council in La Jolla?
“I think folks might be more aware of what is unique about District 1, and that is all the natural open space we have,” LaCava said. “The timing of this is very interesting, because I think with the tragic fires in L.A., there is a much more heightened awareness of where the risk is and living in proximity to these open space areas.”
LaCava encourages residents to take steps to protect their properties against fires, have a strategy in case of a natural disaster, work with neighbors to clear debris and other ignition risks and notify the city of any open space concerns.
La Jolla Shores Association President John Pierce, who lives just outside a pair of “very high” hazard zones, raised concerns about Mount Soledad’s brush hazards. After viewing the new map, he said the hazard severity zones align with the community’s concerns.
Pierce, who volunteered to be a board member for a potential La Jolla Fire Safe Council, said the map reinforces a need for stricter building codes for fire resistance, regular brush clearance, adequate water infrastructure and built-in fire breaks.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and preparedness among neighboring communities, especially if a fire is “a hop, skip and a jump” away from areas outside the hazard zones.
“It will affect us all,” he said. “Fires will not adhere to these boundaries, so it is still a concern for all of those that live adjacent to Mount Soledad.”
What’s being done in La Jolla and beyond to prevent wildfires
Though a barrage of wildland fires earlier this year ignited safety concerns across San Diego County, the new countywide map indicates a decrease in acreage with “very high” fire hazards, compared with 2011.
According to Cal Fire, San Diego County has 157,338 acres with that hazard level, below the 2011 figure of more than 180,700 acres.
On the state level, however, more than 1 million acres under local jurisdictions were given “very high” hazard ratings — an increase from more than 860,000. Areas in Los Angeles County, which was hardest hit by this year’s wildfires, saw increases of 30%.
The main use for the maps, Cal Fire Capt. Jim McDougald told The San Diego Union-Tribune, is for planning new homes. Building a home in a “very high” severity zone, for example, would necessitate complying with construction and materials standards under Chapter 7A of the California Building Code.
Additional standards apply to water supply, road widths and entry and exit paths. Home sellers must make disclosures about the fire hazard.
Is La Jolla ready for a wildfire? A look at evacuation routes and safety measures just in case
Alma Lowry, a captain and community resource officer with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, said the maps are “a very handy tool” in the city’s risk-reduction efforts.
“There’s such far advances in mapping, with satellites and drones and everything that’s out there, that we’re getting a lot of really great content,” Lowry said. “And the mapping is getting better every year they redo them.”
The new map may not come as a surprise to people in the heavily impacted areas, however.
“A lot of people that live in the high-severity zones already know they live in high-severity zones,” Lowry said.
Sapsis said he expects the mapping updates to become more common.
“We’ve got a model and there’s so much attention on these maps,” he said. “It’s obvious the L.A. fires have influenced the level of focus and interest in the maps. Our intent is to have this on a regular update cycle as we streamline the data and the workflow for the model.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune staff writer Christian Martinez contributed to this report. ♦
Originally Published:
CORONADO, Calif. (KGTV) – Everyone from NASCAR officials to the drivers to those who serve on Naval Base Coronado is beaming with excitement, waiting to kick the tires and light the fires this race weekend for NASCAR San Diego Weekend.
“Fans can expect one incredible time. History is being made this weekend,” Matt Humphrey, Sr. Director of Track Communications for NASCAR, said.
The racing track is up at Naval Base Coronado.
“It’s been amazing from seeing the bones of the track going up to driving the track, going to work in the morning. It’s incredible,” Seaman Naylei Fausto of the U.S. Navy said,
And now it’s time to race.
The NASCAR San Diego weekend is officially underway, with the first event held at an active military base.
“They’re going to be able to see a lot of what NASCAR is about with all the different fan displays, the kids’ zone, all the different activations from our partners around, but most importantly, they’re going to see the United States Navy showcased in the best form possible,” Humphrey said.
One of those sailors, Seaman Fausto, who is a lifelong NASCAR fan, never thought she’d see her station transformed into a NASCAR track, let alone any base.
“Joining the Navy, I thought I was going to be out taking pictures and doing Navy-related things, and now I get to work with NASCAR, which is just amazing and it’s fulfilling my inner child,” Fausto said.
Those behind the wheel say that, in their experience, there’s nothing like this event.
“It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think we’ve had some opportunities. We did the street course in Chicago for the last couple of years,” Cody Ware, NASCAR Driver, said. “But to show up here, getting the opportunity to race on an active military base just for the US Navy and NASCAR to be able to work together to put the show on is really incredible.”
There will be a Truck Series race starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday. On Saturday, that’s when the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race will be happening. That begins at 2 p.m. This is the second tier of NASCAR races where drivers hone their skills, looking to get into the top level of the NASCAR circuit. Sunday is the main race with the NASCAR Cup Series happening at 1 p.m.
While it’s incredible to host NASCAR at the naval base, NASCAR officials hope people plan ahead to avoid the painful process of getting to the track.
“But if you do not have that government-issued photo ID or passport, you’ll be turned away. So very important that you bring that. But then bring your patients, come early,” Humphrey said. “If you think it’s going to take a half hour to get here, add an extra 30 to 40 to even 60 minutes on top of that; just to give yourself enough time to get over the bridge to make sure you get through the gates, get through security.”
Humphrey added that NASCAR is working together with local, state and federal agencies to make sure traffic is moving smoothly, and everyone is getting into the race and having fun.
San Diego County will be the center of NASCAR nation this weekend, with fans flocking to Naval Base Coronado for three days of events.
This is the first-ever Cup race held in San Diego County and the NASCAR community is also presenting it as its way of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
Tickets are completely sold out, but locals can still get in on the fun at various event and activities taking place across the region.
Here’s what to know about this one-of-a-kind weekend in San Diego. Full coverage of NASCAR San Diego Weekend can be found at sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/nascar.
What is NASCAR San Diego Weekend?
The three-day event begins with Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series race, continues with an O’Reilly Auto Parts series race on Saturday and wraps Sunday with the Anduril 250.
Grandstands with a capacity for 40,000 fans have been erected, with another 10,000 spectators expected to occupy standing areas around the grounds.
Here’s a turn-by-turn look at Naval Base Coronado’s race circuit
When is it taking place?
Parking lots, which are on base, open each day at 7 a.m. and gates open at 9 a.m.
The Craftsman Truck Series takes place Friday at 4 p.m. The O’Reilly Auto Parts series race blasts off at 2 p.m. Saturday. The main event, NASCAR Cup Series Race, happens Sunday at 1 p.m.
A race-by-race look at NASCAR’s San Diego Weekend
Each day will also feature entertainment, driver Q&As and other activities.
Where is it?
Naval Base Coronado will host the weekend’s activities. All fans in attendance must carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times.
Going to this weekend’s NASCAR races in Coronado? Here’s what you need to know
All event parking will be located on Naval Base Coronado. There is no event parking available within the city of Coronado.
Who is racing?
Shane Van Gisbergen, Tyler Reddick, Mike McDowell, Chase Elliott and Ty Gibbs are just a few of the names to expect this weekend. A full lineup can be found at nascarsandiego.com/nascar-san-diego-mission-lineup.
These 13 Cup racers could all win Sunday’s Anduril 250 in Coronado
How to watch on TV:
Craftsman Trucks Series race: 4 p.m. Friday on Fox Sports 1
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race: 2 p.m. Saturday on The CW
NASCAR Cup race: Sunday at 1 p.m. on Prime Video
Local events:
San Diegans have a range of options for getting in on the fun of NASCAR weekend in Coronado, including meet and greets with drivers, watch parties and fan zones.
Your guide to fan events during NASCAR San Diego Weekend
More coverage:
CORONADO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Final preparations are underway for NASCAR’s historic race weekend at Naval Base Coronado, where stock cars will compete on an active military installation for the first time in the sport’s history.
Crews, race teams, military personnel, first responders and event staff spent Thursday putting the finishing touches on the temporary road course as thousands of fans prepare to descend on the base for the inaugural event.
“The countdown is on,” as organizers work to transform portions of the installation into a race venue unlike any NASCAR has hosted before.
“It’s a very proud moment for NASCAR and myself and my company for being part of it,” said Jordan Litchko, a NASCAR production partner with ignition production. “It’s the America 250, so what a year to celebrate and be here on the naval base.”
Officials say the event marks the first time a NASCAR national series race has been held on a military base, bringing one of America’s most recognizable motorsports directly onto a working military installation.
Unlike traditional oval tracks, competitors will tackle a temporary road course built specifically for the event.
“It’s a road course race, which adds way more excitement, so it’s going to be ultra challenging,” Litchko said.
Thursday’s preparations included long lines of team members, vendors, staff and emergency personnel picking up credentials and completing security and base access requirements ahead of race weekend.
Meanwhile, drivers and crews got their first close look at the unique layout, which winds through portions of the base and presents a challenge far different from a conventional speedway.
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend, organizers are encouraging fans to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Traffic delays are anticipated around Naval Base Coronado and nearby access points as spectators arrive for the event.
After months of planning and construction, the wait is nearly over.
On Friday, engines will roar to life aboard Naval Base Coronado, marking a milestone moment for NASCAR and creating a new chapter in the sport’s history. By the weekend’s end, fans will witness a race unlike any ever held before — stock cars competing on a military base in the heart of San Diego.
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