Road Closures

Road closures around emergency incidents are essential to the rapid movement of people leaving an area and the mobility of emergency equipment into the area. On major incidents, immediate road closures become essential to allow accessibility of firefighting forces, orderly evacuation and the exclusion of unauthorized people.

The Fire District is responsible for determining when the need for evacuation exists and the San Diego Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol are responsible for carrying out an ordered evacuation. The purpose is to protect people from life-threatening situations.

During a fire or flood, there may be several different phases of road closures within the disaster area, including:

1. An area that could possibly be involved in the disaster, but presently is not. People without purpose will be restricted from entry to reduce traffic problems or the potential for looting.
2. An area of imminent danger with limited access or egress. People would be discouraged from entry, even if they live in the area.
3. An area presently involved in the emergency where extreme danger to life exists and where traffic must be restricted due to movement of emergency vehicles. People, including residents, will be refused entry.

Source: Rancho Santa Fe Fire District Website