The programme targets fire-prone areas where evacuation corridors often overlap with areas of historic wildfire activity
San Diego County has launched a new wildfire prevention programme, applying a long-term fire retardant to more than 200 miles of high-risk roadways to protect communities and secure evacuation routes.
The initiative, a collaboration with the fire technology company Perimeter Solutions, uses a ground-based version of the same chemical used in aerial firefighting efforts. The product, known as PHOS-CHEK, is applied once at the start of the fire season and remains effective until heavy rain.
The programme targets fire-prone areas where evacuation corridors often overlap with areas of historic wildfire activity. Among the key routes being treated is Wildcat Canyon, a vital evacuation route for eastern San Diego County. Officials note the road’s steep terrain and heavy traffic, which can lead to overheated vehicles and an increased risk of ignition.
Supervisor Joel Anderson, of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, described the plan as an “innovative and proactive approach” that prioritises public safety. “My constituents have consistently said that fire safety and prevention is a top priority,” he said.
The county, which maintains approximately 2,000 miles of road, has identified the 200 miles as particularly vulnerable, including routes that serve underserved communities. The preventative treatment is designed to create a fire-resistant barrier, giving firefighters crucial extra time to respond to a nearby ignition.
Shannon Horn, chief operating officer at Perimeter Solutions, said the partnership could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar wildfire risks. “By leveraging advanced fire retardant technologies like PHOS-CHEK, San Diego County is leading the way in wildfire prevention,” Horn said.
The project is supported in part by a Community Wildfire Defense Grant, a federal programme established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has allocated $1bn over five years to support wildfire risk reduction efforts across the country.