Information via kensingtonfiresafe.org, Image via Jacob Aere/KPBS

On October 31, 2024, San Diego witnessed its second-largest fire in history. The Montezuma Fire, which erupted on Montezuma Road just east of Fairmount Avenue, drew a massive emergency response. Within about 10 minutes, the first crews arrived on the scene. Over 350 personnel—including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, engine strike teams, hand crews, and specialty apparatus from CalFire, San Diego Police, and other agencies—worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.

Their efforts paid off. Despite early concerns that the fire would devastate multiple homes, only one house was damaged beyond repair.

(For more information on the Montezuma fire read Alvarado Estates Fire Safe Council Chair Karen Austin’s article.)

The Montezuma Fire: What Happened and What’s Next?

On November 21, nearly 300 residents gathered at Hoover High School for a program to learn more about the Montezuma fire and how to prepare for future wildfires. The event, organized by Kensington Fire Safe and Alvarado Estates Fire Safe Council, featured a welcome by the new head of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, Chief Robert Logan, and presentations by Dan Eddy, Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations, and Assistant Fire Marshall Alex Kane. This was followed by a Q&A session with officials including Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, Lieutenant Christian Sharp of the San Diego Police Department, and Parks and Recreation Opens Spaces Deputy Director Erika Ferreira and Senior Park Ranger Erika Weikel.

Missed the meeting? Videos of the entire presentation are available here.