Our Community

The Palomar Mountain community is located in an extremely high risk fire zone at 5600' on the crest of Palomar Mountain, the last unburned mountain top in Southern California.  The risk of wildfire is especially high due to the ongoing severe drought, dense forestation and highly flammable chaparral.

The top of the mountain is heavily forested with large trees such as White Fir, Incense Cedar, Coulter Pine, Big Cone Spruce, Mountain Live Oak and Kellogg Oak.  There are also many species of herbs and shrubs that provide a habitat for birds and animals that are not found "down below".

Precipitation on the Mountain provides groundwater storage and runoff for San Diego County rivers and streams.  Trees and mulch hold the water for future use.  Vegetation stores carbon and releases oxygen.

There are about 225 private residences.  Some are full time residence while others are for weekend use as well as vacation rentals.  In addition, thousands of tourist and campers visit the Palomar Observatory, Palomar Mountain State Park, private campgrounds, and the Christian Conference Center every year.  At any given time there could be 1,000 persons on the mountain. The majority which are visitors and unfamiliar with the Palomar Mountain roads.

Winter snow calls many people from the flatlands of San Diego County to the Mountain for a special winter treat.

PREVENTING WILDFIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN IS CRITICAL

Wildfire is an ever-present threat and danger to our community.  Despite numerous fires around the base and sides of the mountain, much of the mountain top has not burned in recorded history. This has resulted in a lot of overgrowth of dense brush and downed wood that provides fast burning fuel for potentially highly destructive fires.  Working together, the Palomar Fire Safe Council, the National Forest, Cal Fire, private landowners and other entities are trying very hard to protect the unique ecology of Palomar Mountain, by cleaning up downed wood, chipping brush, providing fire breaks, clearing roads, controlled burning and etc.

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN MAY NOT RECOVER FROM THE DESTRUCTION A MAJOR FIRE WILL BRING.  LET US MAKE SURE THAT IT REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT SAN DIEGO COUNTY ASSET.