If you live in San Diego County, you have to plan for wildfires. Not because it might happen, because it will. And one of the biggest risks during an evacuation is not the fire itself. It is what happens to your empty home while you are gone.
Why Looters Show Up After Fires
During the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, more than 20 people were arrested for looting evacuated homes within days of the fires starting. Some posed as utility workers. Others just drove in.
The reason is simple: police and fire departments are focused on saving lives. They cannot watch every empty home. Looters know this. They listen to the news and drive into the evacuation zone within hours.
San Diego has the same risk. The 2003 Cedar Fire, the 2007 Witch Fire, and many others all saw looting reports. It is going to happen again.
Before Fire Season: 8 Things to Do Now
- Document everything. Walk through your home with your phone camera. Open every drawer. Open every closet. Time-stamp the video. Store it on the cloud.
- Update your home inventory list. Insurance companies need this. Make it easy on yourself.
- Create a 'go bag' with key documents. Passports, insurance papers, prescriptions, hard drives, photos.
- Sign up for evacuation alerts. AlertSanDiego.org sends real-time evacuation orders to your phone.
- Plan your route. Have at least two exits from your neighborhood. Some San Diego canyons have only one road in and out.
- Pre-arrange where you will go. A relative's house. A hotel chain you trust. Do not figure this out in the middle of an evacuation.
- Make a pet evacuation plan. Carriers ready. Food packed. ID tags current. Microchip info up to date.
- Get a security plan in place. Know who you will call if you have to leave your home empty for days. Have our number saved.
When the Evacuation Order Comes
If you have time:
- Grab your go bag and pets
- Close all windows and doors
- Move outdoor furniture inside (so it does not become flying debris)
- Turn off your gas if you have time
- Leave a hose connected and water on (helps firefighters)
- Take a final video of your home's condition
If you do not have time, just leave. Things can be replaced. You cannot.
The minute you are safely out, call your security company. The faster a guard gets there, the less time looters have to act.
During the Evacuation: Protect Your Empty Home
Here is what we do for evacuated San Diego homes:
- On-site guard or neighborhood patrol, Depending on access, we can station a guard at your home or run patrols through your neighborhood.
- Daily photo reports, Time-stamped photos of your home each shift. Great for insurance later.
- Door-to-door scam removal, Fake contractors and scammers swarm fire areas. Our guards turn them away.
- Pet check-ins, If pets had to be left behind, we feed and water them when safe to enter.
- Coordination with sheriff and CAL FIRE, We never break police lines. We work with them.
Cost runs about $35 to $65 per hour because of the risk and short notice. Most homeowners hire 12 to 24 hours of coverage per day until they can return.
When You Return Home
If your home survived the fire:
- Do not enter until cleared by fire crews
- Walk through with your phone recording
- Compare your video to your pre-fire video
- Document any damage, missing items, or signs of entry
- Call your insurance company before touching anything
If you find signs of looting, call police and your security company. We can pull our shift reports as evidence.
Watch Out for Post-Fire Scams
After the fire, the second wave hits, scammers. They knock on doors claiming to be:
- Insurance adjusters offering to 'speed up' your claim
- Contractors offering 'free' inspections
- Tree removal crews demanding cash up front
- Religious or aid groups asking for donations
Real adjusters and contractors do not pressure you. They do not demand cash. They do not threaten. If someone shows up uninvited, ask for ID, take a photo, and call the sheriff if they will not leave.
Insurance Tips That Save Money
From clients who have been through it:
- File your claim fast. The first claims get the best adjusters.
- Keep every receipt. Hotel, food, clothing, toiletries, most policies cover 'additional living expense.'
- Get multiple repair estimates. Insurance often pays the lowest. Get 3+.
- Use a public adjuster if your claim is over $50,000. They negotiate for you and usually get more than they cost.
- Document with your security company's photos. If you hired us, we have time-stamped proof.
The Bottom Line
You can spend $20,000 to replace a stolen TV, computer, and jewelry, or you can spend $1,000 to $3,000 on a few days of security and have nothing stolen.
Plan now. Do not wait until you smell smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does post-fire security cost in San Diego?
Emergency post-fire security runs $35 to $65 per hour. Most homeowners hire 12 to 24 hours of coverage per day until they can return. For a typical 3-day evacuation, expect $1,000 to $3,000.
Can security guards enter an evacuation zone?
Yes, when authorized by the sheriff or fire department. We coordinate with law enforcement to get cleared access. We never break police lines.
Will my homeowners insurance cover security guard costs?
Sometimes. Many policies have a 'loss prevention' clause that covers security after an evacuation. Call your insurance agent. Even if it is not covered, the cost is far less than replacing stolen items.
Can you protect a whole neighborhood instead of just my home?
Yes. HOAs and neighborhood groups can hire 1 or 2 guards to patrol a 20 to 50 home block. Much cheaper per home and very effective.
What if I have to leave my pets behind?
Tell us where they are and what they need. When safe to enter, we will feed and water them. We can also call animal control if a pet needs help. We have done this many times.