SAN DIEGO, September 17, 2025 – With more than 6,800 wildfires having already burned over 500,000 acres across California — and several still active — 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent years. As dry fuels and high winds are expected to intensify through the remainder of the year, officials emphasized the importance of staying prepared and coordinated, especially as conditions continue to evolve.

To reinforce wildfire readiness, SDG&E convened top emergency response officials and community partners today at its new Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center. The press conference, held inside SDG&E’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), marked a mid-season mobilization and a unified call to action for year-round vigilance and collaboration. Officials also reflected on the extraordinary circumstances of last year’s wildfire season, when the region experienced record-setting wind speeds and critically dry conditions — a combination that underscored the importance of wildfire prevention measures and regional coordination.

Representatives from CAL FIRE, San Diego Fire-Rescue, and 2-1-1 San Diego joined SDG&E leadership to spotlight the region’s coordinated approach to wildfire readiness. The event showcased innovative technology, including virtual fire simulations and AI-powered situational awareness tools, underscoring SDG&E’s role as a national leader in wildfire prevention and climate resilience.

“Preparedness is our greatest defense against wildfire,” said Scott Crider, President of SDG&E. “We’re investing in advanced technology and expanding our wildfire prevention efforts to protect the region from devastating fires. True resilience comes from partnership — working hand-in-hand with local emergency responders, agencies and customers to stay ready and keep each other safe.”

A New Era of Wildfire Readiness

Inside SDG&E’s Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center, wall-to-wall monitors displayed live fire-weather maps, virtual wildfire simulation technology, AI-powered forecast models and real-time preparedness resources. Officials emphasized three key themes at the press briefing:

• Interagency coordination is stronger than ever.
• Tools and resources are available to keep residents informed and connected.
• Despite progress, the region remains vulnerable when wind and dry fuels converge.

Officials emphasized that community-level action is just as vital as regional coordination. While technology and infrastructure improvements have strengthened wildfire defenses, they stressed that preparedness begins at home.  

“What once was a fire season has now become a fire year,” said Tony Mecham, Fire Chief of CAL FIRE San Diego and San Diego County Fire. “With historically low live fuel moisture levels across the county, we urge residents to remain vigilant, with preparation and awareness never on pause.”

San Diego Fire-Rescue is expanding its rapid response capabilities — including the addition of a new firefighting helicopter later this year — but officials noted that even coastal neighborhoods can be impacted, as fire conditions may shift quickly. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay informed, and take simple steps like assembling go-bags and identifying multiple evacuation routes.

“In San Diego, wildfires aren’t a matter of if; they are a matter of when.” said Chief Robert Logan of San Diego Fire-Rescue. “Together, we can all do our part to be ready and resilient. Have a go-bag, know your evacuation routes, and talk with your loved ones about your emergency plan.”

To strengthen wildfire preparedness and bolster community resilience across California, strategic legislation and multi-level government collaboration continue to serve as important drivers of progress

“I’m working to provide real solutions to address the frequency and severity of wildfires, including advancing my Fix Our Forests Act and Save Our Sequoias Act,” said U.S. Representative Scott Peters. “I’m grateful to work alongside local partners like SDG&E to ensure our communities are always prepared for dangerous wildfires. While I push to provide the relief we desperately need, San Diegans should utilize local resources to make their homes more fire resistant, create an evacuation plan and stay up to date with emergency guidance.”
 

Community Partnership at the Core

Community organizations like 2-1-1 San Diego also play a vital role in wildfire preparedness and response. In partnership with SDG&E and the County of San Diego, 2-1-1 provides 24/7 access to health, housing and disaster assistance – with a special focus on reaching underserved and vulnerable communities that may face barriers to accessing critical resources.  

“Every day, 211 San Diego connects residents and families with important community, social, health and disaster information.  In times of crisis, we make connections to provide up-to-date information on power shutoffs, emergency shelters and recovery resources," said William York, President & CEO of 211 San Diego. “211 San Diego works closely with our public safety partners, including SDG&E, to connect our community with the help they need, 24/7.  Whether it's a regional or local crisis or an everyday struggle, 211 is San Diegans helping San Diegans."

Stay Connected, Stay Ready

Staying prepared means staying informed, and SDG&E works to provide timely notifications to customers during emergency conditions impacting utility services. SDG&E encourages all customers to update their contact information — including mobile numbers and email addresses — with the company by visiting sdge.com/notifications or calling 1-800-411-7343.  

To stay informed on the go, customers should also download the Alerts by SDG&E app for timely Public Safety Power Shutoff updates, fire weather conditions, outage maps and safety tips tailored to their location. Search “Alerts by SDG&E” in an app store or visit sdge.com/Alerts-SDGE.

About SDG&E

SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a recognized leader in its industry and community, as demonstrated by being named Corporate Partner of the Year at the San Diego Business Journal’s Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards and receiving PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance for 18 consecutive years. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. For more information, visit SDGEtoday.com or connect with SDG&E on social media @SDGE.