While in the past, Del Mar’s marine influence and coastal climate insulated the community from significant wildfires, today’s warmer temperatures, prolonged drought, and more erratic weather patterns have increased our community’s fire risk.

 

One of the factors that makes Del Mar unique is that it is surrounded entirely by abundant natural environments—the Pacific Ocean to the west, Crest Canyon to the east, Torrey Pines Extension to the south, and the San Dieguito Lagoon to the north. While these are clearly significant benefits for local residents and visitors, given the changes in our climate and weather patterns, being surrounded by natural open space requires a greater level of vigilance.

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The city’s eastern edge borders Crest Canyon and the wildland-urban interface, where dense vegetation, dry conditions, and today's more powerful Santa Ana winds can increase fire danger.

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Two recent brush fires in the Torrey Pines Extension south of Del Mar required Del Mar residents to evacuate. These fires, along with the 2007 Witch Creek Fire, have shown that fires outside Del Mar can still threaten the community.