Defensible Space & Wildfire Defense in Highland, CA

Many Highland properties — particularly those in East Highlands Ranch, foothill neighborhoods north of Greenspot Road, and areas adjacent to the San Bernardino National Forest — are designated within VHFHSZ. Use CAL FIRE's online map at egis.fire.ca.gov to confirm your specific parcel.

The Old Fire burned through Highland and surrounding San Bernardino County communities, destroying approximately 1,000 structures and killing 6 people. Highland's foothill neighborhoods experienced direct fire impact and mass evacuations. The fire demonstrated why defensible space matters in foothill cities — properties with cleared zones around structures had significantly better survival outcomes.

Highland participates in the San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement Program. Property owners must clear weeds and grasses to 4 inches or less, remove combustible debris, eliminate dead vegetation, and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures per County Code 23.0301–23.0319. Annual inspections and 30-day compliance windows apply.

Highland's foothill position creates direct exposure to wind-driven fires from the San Bernardino Mountains. Santa Ana wind events funnel down through Cajon Pass and adjacent canyons, accelerating fire spread. Dense chaparral on surrounding slopes acts as ladder fuel, and proximity to the National Forest means fires from wildland areas can reach Highland properties quickly.

San Bernardino County will hire a commercial contractor to clear your property at premium rates billed back to you, plus administrative fees, late fees ($123), and lien placement fees ($211). Total costs for forced abatement typically run multiple times higher than hiring a contractor proactively within the 30-day window.

Yes. Vetted contractors serve all Highland areas including East Highlands Ranch, the Greenspot corridor, Base Line Street, Cram Road area, foothill neighborhoods, and the Mentone border. Zip codes 92346 and 92359.