San Diego River Fire Hazard Mitigation Program

The San Diego River Fire Hazard Mitigation Program is a project managed by the City of Santee to reduce wildfire risk across an approximately 300-acre site. This site consists of 33 parcels, including 29 distinct parcels and four rights-of-way portions along the San Diego River corridor. The program focuses on the wildland-urban interface to protect residential neighborhoods, critical public infrastructure, and biologically sensitive habitats. The primary scope of work involves implementing the San Diego River Fire Hazard Mitigation Plan and Fuels Treatment Plan to reduce the horizontal and vertical continuity of fuels by removing non-native and invasive species, thereby decreasing ignition potential and fire intensity. The project is subject to extensive environmental and regulatory compliance, including the California Environmental Quality Act and coordination with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Key operational requirements include the use of Tier 4 Final emission standard equipment, strict hazardous waste labeling and secondary containment, and the secure covering of all materials transported off-site. Additionally, the contract mandates strict confidentiality regarding tribal cultural resources in accordance with California Government Code. The project was officially approved on August 12, 2026, and is categorized under NAICS code 561730.