Fire-ey Questions, Fall 2026
By Judy Harrington, Co-Chair, 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 Love seeing the goats clearing brush along the 8 freeway – wouldn’t that be great for our overgrown canyons?
We’re not saying, “Baaaaa” to a goats, but it might be challenging. Thanks to the work of Kensington resident Alina Talbott, we have a lot of info on the subject!
No kidding, goats can be a highly eco-friendly, targeted method of wildfire prevention, reducing invasive plant species, creating natural firebreaks, and best of all – reducing dangerous fuel loads without heavy machinery damaging hill sides, or toxic chemicals for animals and residents to breathe.
But here’s the kickers: tasks include herding some neighbors together to support the effort, obtaining access for City-owned parcels, protecting sensitive habitats, avoiding native plant species and other steps. And then there’s annual maintenance.
An interested canyon neighborhood would need leadership to oversee the project and help raise donations, although partial or matching grants might be available. One company estimated initial costs of over $80,000, then $23,000 for annual grazing maintenance.
If all that doesn’t get your goat and you’d like to explore using these in your area, let us know: info@kensingtonfiresafe.org.
Q #2 Any fire resistant paints we can use on our wood trim?
Short answer: yes, but…
When wildfire embers come calling, standard paint can panic – blister, burn, feed the fire and possibly release toxins. According to AI, specialized coatings can claim to be superheroes protecting the underneath surface to help a home survive longer when the heat is on, or at least buy valuable time before ignition. There are several types:
- Fire-retardant paints chemically reduce a surface’s ability to support combustion. Possible products include Firetect WT-102, Firecoat, and FlameOFF Fire Barrier Paint. Costs? $75 – $95/gallon
- Paint additives can be mixed into standard paints to improve fire resistance and, in some cases, achieve a Class A fire rating. $10 to $25 per 8 oz bottle, which treats one gallon of standard paint. Common choices include Flamecheck M-111PA Paint Additive and Flame Stop III Additive.
- Intumescent paints or coatings expand into a protective char layer when heated. This provides the highest level of life-saving structural protection but runs $75 to $150+ per gallon, or $350 to $550 for a 5-gallon pail. Additional installation costs can range from $10 to $30+ per square foot due to required thickness and professional application. Some choices are Sherwin-Williams FIRETEX for structural steel. Nullifire for steel, concrete, and Firefree 88
OK, here’s the “but.” According to the excellent Marin County FSC website, USDA research reported that “fire-retardant coatings have an uncertain “shelf life” when used in an exterior location and would therefore need to be reapplied regularly.” Check out the full report at: https://firesafemarin.org/harden-your-home/coatings-and-gels
Finally – big thank you for a Historic Kensington Haul 25.37 tons of wildfire fuel is outta’ here thanks to Kensington volunteers — a new KFS Spring Dumpathon record. And, just a wee bit under our all-time high!
Kudos to (1) fab folks at SD Fire-Rescue and the City’s Environmental Services Dept. for initiating huge support this year, permits, safety barricades, dumpsters, and logistics, as well as hosting a wildfire preparedness workshop for 63 neighbors, and (2) a dozen dumpster hosts for monitoring their containers while District 9 Council Office supplied additional permits.
So now we’re all just a little safer…but best to heed experts and be ready when a wildfire does occur. Everything you need to know is in one place: https://www.sandiego.gov/…/com…/safety-tips/ready-set-go
Because of Kensington’s success, other San Diego fire safe councils are planning Dumpathons!