What We Do
As a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting fire safety throughout Olivenhain, we are always seeking meaningful ways to engage with residents, organizations, and agencies to achieve our goals.
Outreach and Education
Educating residents about ways to make their homes and properties more fire safe is our primary objective, and we also connect them to resources that can answer their questions or help them improve fire safety and preparedness.
Wherever possible, we participate in events to spread the word and make this important information readily available. We have a monthly booth at the Cardiff farmers market, usually on the first Saturday of the month. We also host workshops offered by the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County and coordinate with the Encinitas Fire Department to organize special events during the year. We distribute relevant materials from other organizations and produce our own, as appropriate, such as our evacuation brochure. We also facilitate connections when residents need answers or resources that we can’t provide.
In 2023, we produced a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, or CWPP, which was approved by the Encinitas fire chief and the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County.
Neighborhood Ambassador Program
Neighborhood Ambassadors are point people in different neighborhoods in Olivenhain, tasked with sharing information about wildfire prevention and preparedness with their neighbors, spotting and addressing issues and concerns pertaining to wildfire, communicating news from OFSC, and identifying neighbors who might need assistance in case of a wildfire evacuation. The philosophy behind the program is “neighbors helping neighbors” and “we are our own first responders.” We are always interested in adding Neighborhood Ambassadors. For more information, contact Lou Obertreis, Neighborhood Ambassador coordinator.
Firewise USA Initiative
Firewise USA, a program of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is a voluntary recognition program that provides a framework to help residents get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community. Through a set of initial requirements and annual renewal criteria, it encourages and reminds residents that work around their home requires an ongoing commitment. Much of the emphasis is on action at the home level and 0-5 feet around the base, as well as the influence of neighbors. Insurance companies sometimes take Firewise USA recognition into account when making underwriting and premium decisions.
OFSC has begun promoting Firewise USA in the neighborhoods of Olivenhain, spearheaded by the Neighborhood Ambassadors. For more information, contact Lou Obertreis.
