Lucia Risk Reduction and Fire Protection Consulting

08/08/2026

https://share.google/druXlKBfTwUvi7FwC

LOS ANGELES — At the turn of the century, wildfires destroyed only about 3% of the California homes they came into contact with. By 2020, the rate had risen to

08/03/2026

REMEMBERING PROFESSOR HARRY R. CARTER—AND A REPORT THAT STILL SPEAKS TODAY

Last Wednesday, July 29, a reminder of Professor Harry R. Carter’s birthday appeared on my calendar. Although Mr. Carter is no longer with us, that reminder caused me to pause and remember him—and the remarkably detailed fire-protection study he prepared for Hillsdale NJ in 1993.

Mr. Carter described Hillsdale NJ as a mature suburban community facing aging buildings, changing demands and the continuing challenge of providing strong fire protection while controlling costs. He emphasized that fire safety required more than responding when an alarm sounded. It depended on effective code enforcement, public education, cooperation among local agencies and long-range planning.

The report offered unusually strong praise for Hillsdale’s fire-prevention program and my work as Fire Official. Referring to my commitment to fire prevention, Mr. Carter wrote:

“In fact, he lives by it as though it were a religious experience.”

I was deeply honored by that remarkable statement and by his recognition of my dedication to fire prevention and public safety. He also described Hillsdale’s innovative, multi-functional approach as a model that other communities should adopt.

Thirty-three years later, fire apparatus, communications, building materials and technology have changed considerably. Yet Professor Carter’s central message remains just as relevant today: the best fire protection begins long before a fire occurs.

Prevention, education, enforcement, planning and community cooperation saved lives in 1993—and they remain the foundation of effective fire protection today.

Remembering Professor Harry R. Carter with gratitude and respect.

—George E. Lucia Sr.

07/18/2026

I found some photos I took back in my Vista Fire Days, 25 years ago. Loved working at Vista Fire.

06/20/2026

El Nino Is Here and Scientists Fear It Will Be Big, Bad, and Costly With Heat, Floods, Droughts, Fires

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

Today we are proud to be partnering with the San Marcos Fire Department at Walnut Grove Park, meeting with residents and sharing information about how to prepare homes, families, and properties for wildfire season.

It has been a great event with great people asking important questions about wildfire preparedness, defensible space, rooftop sprinkler systems, wildfire gel protection, emergency water supplies, and evacuation planning.

The best time to prepare for a wildfire is before smoke is on the horizon. Don’t wait until a fire is approaching your neighborhood to start thinking about protection.

If you would like to discuss ways to improve the wildfire safety of your home, ranch, business, or HOA community, give me a call.

George E. Lucia Sr.
Lucia Risk Reduction & Fire Protection Consulting
📞 760-644-9933

Prepare for wildfire now — not when it’s at your doorstep. 🔥🚒🏡
Smokey approved 👍