Drawing on decades of experience to protect our region from wildfires
Imagine a professional office. Now replace the cubicles, florescent lighting and computer cords with rural roads, gusting winds and hardhats.
For San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Fire Coordinator Dennis Baldridge, these less than typical surroundings have been the norm throughout a decades-long career preventing and fighting wildfires.
Baldridge joined SDG&E after 38 years with the U.S. Forest Service, where he served as a member of the wildland firefighting team and managed the Interagency Hotshot Crews—an elite team specializing in fire suppression, often deployed to the hottest and most dangerous areas of a fire.
Igniting a passion
During his tenure with the Forest Service, Baldridge and his team were dispatched to locations across the country to battle blazes in every type of terrain imaginable.
"Through every incident, whether it was in the forests of the Smokey Mountains or the dry brush of California, we had to learn how different fuel sources burn under a variety of conditions and know what to look out for to stay safe," said Baldridge.
Baldridge became something of an expert in fires—developing a deep understanding of their behavior, ignition risks and suppression methods—and this expertise grew into a passion for fire prevention that continues to this day.
Protecting our communities
Following his time with the Forest Service, Baldridge brought his extensive knowledge and dedication to SDG&E.
In his role as a Fire Coordinator, Baldridge's typical day is spent working with construction crews and contractors in the county's highest risk fire areas. The central mission for Baldridge—and all SDG&E Fire Coordinators—is preventing wildland fires by educating field crews and community members on SDG&E's comprehensive Fire Prevention and Protection Plan.
"We primarily focus on three things," Baldridge noted, "Fire prevention, early detection and rapid extinguishment."
Beyond ensuring compliance, Fire Coordinators serve as SDG&E representatives on a number of local Fire Safe Councils and act as liaisons for fire agencies during emergencies. By connecting with the people that live and work in higher risk fire areas—as well as the first responders that protect them—SDG&E has built productive relationships that benefit the entire region.
“SDG&E is now invited to participate in meetings with first responders and are seen as key stakeholders,” commented Baldridge. “Whether through utilizing the networks we have built over our careers or demonstrating the value that we bring to the table, building these relationships is critical to the work we do.”
Developing strong relationships and being seen as a valuable partner—particularly in areas like the East County, where fire risk is high and many of SDG&E’s current projects are located—is essential for partnering during a major incident and providing the most safe, efficient and coordinated response possible.
“The goal is always zero fires, but because of the environment we work in and the nature of our work, there is always the potential for a fire,” noted Baldridge. “If we can educate our crews and community members about what can start a fire, we give them the tools to be proactive to prevent one. Prevention really does payoff.”