–Courtney LeBeau is president of the RSF Association Board of Directors
As California continues to face wildfire threats, including the devastating recent fires in Los Angeles, we are reminded that fire preparedness must remain a top priority for Rancho Santa Fe. While our community’s natural beauty and lush landscapes are defining features, they also present challenges in an era where fire safety must guide our decisions.
The Rancho Santa Fe Association is taking proactive steps to reduce fire risk across the Covenant. However, the responsibility doesn’t fall on the Association alone – fire preparedness is a shared effort between the Association, the Fire Department, and individual property owners.
Given that 90% of our urban forest – the trees and dense vegetation in Rancho Santa Fe – are located on private property, homeowners play a crucial role in ensuring our community remains as fire-resistant as possible.
Our board has directed staff to research fire-safe materials, landscaping best practices, and structural hardening methods that can improve our community’s fire resilience. Additionally, the Association has been actively managing our open spaces, including removing dead and dying vegetation in the Arroyo and Ewing Preserve, to reduce fuel loads in high-risk areas. We are also considering participation in the Firewise USA® program, a nationally recognized framework that helps communities take a proactive approach to fire safety.
While the Association is making important strides, reducing fire risk requires individual action as well. Creating defensible space by clearing vegetation around structures, trimming trees, and using fire-resistant landscaping materials can help protect your home.
That’s why our Association is working closely with the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District to ensure that residents have access to property inspections and guidance on defensible space. These inspections provide customized recommendations to help homeowners reduce fire hazards on their property.
In the Los Angeles fires, it was striking to see aerial photos that showed how some homes did not burn despite being surrounded by devastation. As we have learned, landscaping choices matter. The types of trees, shrubs, and plants surrounding homes can significantly impact fire risk. Science has shown that certain species are highly flammable, while others offer better resistance to fire. The Association is reviewing our community guidelines to ensure that landscape regulations balance both aesthetic values and fire safety concerns.
Rancho Santa Fe has long been known for its appealing landscapes and meticulous architectural and design standards, and the Art Jury deserves much credit in preserving our traditions. Historically, these guidelines have favored abundant vegetation and specific plantings that enhance the Ranch’s beauty. Given what we know now about fire risk, we must consider how to balance aesthetics with fire safety.
I believe that we can maintain the beauty of our community while reducing our risk of wildfires. The Association’s arboretum serves as a valuable resource, demonstrating the use of drought-tolerant and fire-resistant species that could serve as models for homeowners.
The Association will continue to provide with fire safety updates, including an emergency preparedness bulletin, opportunities to engage with fire officials and annual Fire Preparedness meetings.
Fire safety is not just about preventing disasters – it’s about protecting our homes, our families, and the legacy of Rancho Santa Fe. Together, through smart collective planning combined with individual efforts, we can reduce risks and ensure our community remains as safe and resilient as possible.
