Wildfire Preparedness for the Tesoro Highlands Community
Helping families in Santa Clarita prepare their homes, protect their loved ones, and reduce wildfire risk before emergencies occur.
A Community at Risk
The Tesoro Highlands community in Santa Clarita sits within a region where residential neighborhoods meet natural hillside terrain commonly known as the wildland-urban interface.
Our community includes approximately 1,500 homes, many of which are newly built as the neighborhood continues to grow. While these homes represent opportunity and growth for families, they are also located in an area where wildfire risk is a seasonal reality.
During the recent wildfire near Castaic, located less than seven miles from our neighborhood, Tesoro Highlands residents were placed under mandatory evacuation orders for several days.
For many families, this was their first experience with wildfire evacuation.
This experience revealed a clear need within our community for stronger wildfire preparedness education.
Why Wildfire Preparedness Matters
Wildfire risk is influenced by many factors, including weather conditions, terrain, and vegetation. However, homeowners also play an important role in protecting their homes.
Simple actions can significantly reduce wildfire risk:
• clearing dry brush and vegetation
• maintaining defensible space around homes
• removing combustible debris near structures
• preparing emergency evacuation plans
• maintaining emergency preparedness supplies
Preparedness today can mean the difference between a home that survives and one that is lost.
Community Wildfire Preparedness Initiative
The Uniform Families Foundation Community Wildfire Preparedness Initiative was created to help families in Tesoro Highlands and surrounding Santa Clarita communities better prepare for wildfire season.
This program will provide:
• wildfire preparedness education
• community safety workshops
• evacuation planning guidance
• emergency preparedness resources
• an online wildfire preparedness resource hub
This initiative is informed by real fire service experience.
Julie Holt’s husband, John Holt, is a Fire Captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department, with more than two decades of service. Through his experience responding to major wildfire incidents across Southern California, including the Malibu fires in 2025, he has witnessed firsthand how community preparedness can significantly impact wildfire outcomes.
Our Program Plan
Phase 1 – Community Education
Preparedness guides and educational outreach distributed to approximately 1,500 homes.
Phase 2 – Community Workshops
Host 5–6 wildfire preparedness workshops serving approximately 200–300 households.
Phase 3 – Emergency Preparedness Kits
Provide preparedness kits for 150–200 vulnerable households.
Phase 4 – Online Resource Hub
Launch a wildfire preparedness resource center available year-round.
Resources for Families
Families can begin preparing today by taking simple steps.
Create a Family Evacuation Plan
Know where your family will go and how you will communicate if evacuation becomes necessary.
Build an Emergency Kit
Include items such as:
• flashlights
• emergency radio
• first aid kit
• medications
• important documents
• water and food supplies
Maintain Defensible Space
Clear dry brush and vegetation at least 30 feet around your home.
Community Impact
Homes served: 1,500
Estimated residents impacted: 3,500 – 4,500
Workshops planned: 5–6
Preparedness kits distributed: 150–200
About Uniform Families Foundation
The Uniform Families Foundation supports families connected to public service professions including firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. Through community programs and preparedness education, the foundation works to strengthen communities and support families who live alongside emergency response professions.