Fire-ey Questions, Mar-Apr-May 2026
By Amy Dyson and Judy Harrington, Co-Chairs, Kensington Fire Safe (KFS)
Kensington’s Fire Safe Council will share researched answers to your inquiries Send fire-related questions to info@kensingtonfiresafe.org.
Q #1 I hear some Kensington blocks are going for a Firewise designation to get insurance discounts. What is it and how do you get it?
Maybe. The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program recognizes homeowner fire safety efforts with a certification you can share with insurers. Some 20+ San Diego County communities have earned it and some in those areas said they received insurance discounts or rebates. In other instances, it may have avoided insurance cancellations. The current California FAIR plan website specifically lists available Firewise discounts.
The best reason to go Firewise, however, is to reduce risk for your homes and our entire community. Many of the requirements are steps Kensington Fire Safe has been taking for years, such as investing in fire safety education and efforts – like our semi-annual Dumpathons for brush management.
One north Kensington area is currently investigating Firewise requirements and has an identified “Wise Guy” or project leader. Besides having a leader, the group will also need to develop a three-year action plan and document their fire safety efforts. Kensington Fire Safe can help with these and many other requirements.
If you’ve ever wanted to do more to increase your block’s fire resilience, this is a concrete way to do it! Check out the Firewise process, and if you want to consider kicking this off in your area, let us know. We’re happy to share our learnings: info@kensingtonfiresafe.org More info at: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa/become-a-firewise-usa-site
Q #2 Is KFS holding a Spring Dumpathon and can I get a dumpster in front of our home?
Yes, we are planning a May 5-18, 2026 Dumpathon! Unfortunately, new requirements for dumpster events are quite challenging for Fire Safe Councils, but San Diego Fire Rescue is working very hard to resolve them. We’re optimistic that we will be able to proceed!
If you would like to be a dumpster-minder, contact us at info@kensingtonfiresafe.org. BTW, we’re going to prioritize dumpster locations for Kensington communities seeking Firewise certification. For more information, check out our Q & A.
Q #3. Can I get tax credit for the double pane windows I installed to increase my home’s fire resistance?
Your 2025 window expenditures probably also helped save energy, and that may qualify you for clean energy tax credits this April 15th. Credits can equal up to 30% of qualified expenses, including energy efficiency improvements installed during the taxable year. However, under the last budget bill, apparently some credits end December 31, 2025, with no 2026 extension for typical rooftop solar or home improvements. To learn more, go to: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
Q#4 Are trees allowed in the new Zone Zero?
Depends on who you ask.
City website currently says…”Trees are allowed within Zone Zero as long as they are properly maintained and regularly pruned. Healthy branches must be kept at least five feet from roofs and exterior walls, and the tree canopy (drip line) at maturity must be maintained at least 10 feet from roofs and other structures.” https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/defensible-space-property-owners
But your insurance company may use their research institute regs, which currently state: “Remove all trees, limbs, and branches within or overhanging (looking vertically to the sky) the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone”. https://wildfireprepared.org/wp-content/uploads/WPH-How-To-Prepare-My-Home-Checklist.pdf
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Earth Day, April 11th … and make some Zone Zero qualified cactus (while supplies last)!
With gravel in pots rather than the raffia pictured here. We need lots of round, fairly smooth rocks! Please let us know if you can help!