[4Sbuyer2002]

An update to the thread for the benefit of those, such as quote from poster below, who don’t know how safe 4S Ranch is in terms of fire danger.

4spotentialbuyer,
You sound pretty desperate to buy a house in 4S. Perhaps the salesperson senses that, in that case they hold all the cards. I recently toured 4s, I was not impressed. Plus you are in high wildfire risk area., there were vast burn areas in surrounding areas. Why on earth anyone in their right mind choose to live near there? I personally have redlined areas of San Diego county due to wildfire risk.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

An update to the thread for the benefit of those, such as quote from poster below, who don’t know how safe 4S Ranch is in terms of fire danger.

4spotentialbuyer,
You sound pretty desperate to buy a house in 4S. Perhaps the salesperson senses that, in that case they hold all the cards. I recently toured 4s, I was not impressed. Plus you are in high wildfire risk area., there were vast burn areas in surrounding areas. Why on earth anyone in their right mind choose to live near there? I personally have redlined areas of San Diego county due to wildfire risk.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

An update to the thread for the benefit of those, such as quote from poster below, who don’t know how safe 4S Ranch is in terms of fire danger.

4spotentialbuyer,
You sound pretty desperate to buy a house in 4S. Perhaps the salesperson senses that, in that case they hold all the cards. I recently toured 4s, I was not impressed. Plus you are in high wildfire risk area., there were vast burn areas in surrounding areas. Why on earth anyone in their right mind choose to live near there? I personally have redlined areas of San Diego county due to wildfire risk.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

An update to the thread for the benefit of those, such as quote from poster below, who don’t know how safe 4S Ranch is in terms of fire danger.

4spotentialbuyer,
You sound pretty desperate to buy a house in 4S. Perhaps the salesperson senses that, in that case they hold all the cards. I recently toured 4s, I was not impressed. Plus you are in high wildfire risk area., there were vast burn areas in surrounding areas. Why on earth anyone in their right mind choose to live near there? I personally have redlined areas of San Diego county due to wildfire risk.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

An update to the thread for the benefit of those, such as quote from poster below, who don’t know how safe 4S Ranch is in terms of fire danger.

4spotentialbuyer,
You sound pretty desperate to buy a house in 4S. Perhaps the salesperson senses that, in that case they hold all the cards. I recently toured 4s, I was not impressed. Plus you are in high wildfire risk area., there were vast burn areas in surrounding areas. Why on earth anyone in their right mind choose to live near there? I personally have redlined areas of San Diego county due to wildfire risk.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Aside from coastal areas of SD. 4S Ranch is probably one of the safest places in San Diego county when it comes to fire danger. Not a single home in 4S burned in the last fire. Moreover, every home has an extensive sprinkler system which has already successfully doused housefires started by dense homeowners. If you are worried about avoiding “fire danger” then 4S Ranch should be at the top of your list.

See this extensive thread on the topic.

http://piggington.com/4_closure_ranch_errr_scratch_that_fire_proof_ranch_new_nickname_

_____________________________

Great PDF Brochure by Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dept. on “Shelter in Place” concept of fire resistant construction found in newer communities within the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dist. which include

The Bridges
4S Ranch
Cielo
The Crosby Estates
Santa Fe Valley

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/education/preparedness/SIP_for_web.pdf
_______________

New York Times message to world . . . if your going to move to San Diego . . . 4S Ranch is one of 5 communities with “safe homes” from fire which did not burn. Good press for 4S.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/weekinreview/28odonnell.html

________________________________

Exclusive homes emerge unscathed as fire-protection concept is tested

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071025/news_1n25stay.html#

_________________________________

Sprinkler System in 4S Ranch “saves dumb homeowners from themselves.:

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/news/news_releases/2005/100605%20Cayenne%20Creek%20Fire.pdf

“The Fire District encourages the use of sprinklers and other preparedness measures as a means of promoting fire-safe communities.” (Their words not mine)

Another fine example of the fire resistant technology built into 4S Ranch homes and how it gives added protection from fire compared to other homes and other communities in San Diego (even if you have a hair brained home owner throwing burning cigarrete butts onto flammable material in his garage). 4S homes are all separately plumbed with their own fire sprinkler system which is pressurized and distinct from the normal plumbing (I’m sure this cost me a small fortune). The water supply to the sprinkler systems is prioritized at the same level as the fire hydrants on the street. There are dozens of fire sprinklers on the cieling throughout my house including 4 sprinklers in the attic suspended just below the roof and a sprinkler outside of the front door (presumably to give a sprinkler protected escape route through the front door).

“The sprinkler definitely saved this home, and possibly the lives of those in the home,” said Captain Fred Cox, who responded to the call. “If there had not been a working sprinkler system in place, the fire would have spread very rapidly before anyone inside noticed. By that time, it would have been difficult to save the home and those inside could have been severely injured.”

. . .

“This is the fourth time in the last two years that sprinklers have extinguished a structure fire within the RSFFPD. In each scenario, the heat from the fire activated the nearest sprinkler head, immediately dousing the flames with water, minimizing property loss and injuries.”

Read . . . normal home burns to ground with potential loss of life. Same situation 4S Ranch home = $500 damage to the junk in your garage and a singed hand. Thats the difference between 4S Ranch and other homes not built with the same technology.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Aside from coastal areas of SD. 4S Ranch is probably one of the safest places in San Diego county when it comes to fire danger. Not a single home in 4S burned in the last fire. Moreover, every home has an extensive sprinkler system which has already successfully doused housefires started by dense homeowners. If you are worried about avoiding “fire danger” then 4S Ranch should be at the top of your list.

See this extensive thread on the topic.

http://piggington.com/4_closure_ranch_errr_scratch_that_fire_proof_ranch_new_nickname_

_____________________________

Great PDF Brochure by Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dept. on “Shelter in Place” concept of fire resistant construction found in newer communities within the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dist. which include

The Bridges
4S Ranch
Cielo
The Crosby Estates
Santa Fe Valley

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/education/preparedness/SIP_for_web.pdf
_______________

New York Times message to world . . . if your going to move to San Diego . . . 4S Ranch is one of 5 communities with “safe homes” from fire which did not burn. Good press for 4S.

________________________________

Exclusive homes emerge unscathed as fire-protection concept is tested

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071025/news_1n25stay.html#

_________________________________

Sprinkler System in 4S Ranch “saves dumb homeowners from themselves.:

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/news/news_releases/2005/100605%20Cayenne%20Creek%20Fire.pdf

“The Fire District encourages the use of sprinklers and other preparedness measures as a means of promoting fire-safe communities.” (Their words not mine)

Another fine example of the fire resistant technology built into 4S Ranch homes and how it gives added protection from fire compared to other homes and other communities in San Diego (even if you have a hair brained home owner throwing burning cigarrete butts onto flammable material in his garage). 4S homes are all separately plumbed with their own fire sprinkler system which is pressurized and distinct from the normal plumbing (I’m sure this cost me a small fortune). The water supply to the sprinkler systems is prioritized at the same level as the fire hydrants on the street. There are dozens of fire sprinklers on the cieling throughout my house including 4 sprinklers in the attic suspended just below the roof and a sprinkler outside of the front door (presumably to give a sprinkler protected escape route through the front door).

“The sprinkler definitely saved this home, and possibly the lives of those in the home,” said Captain Fred Cox, who responded to the call. “If there had not been a working sprinkler system in place, the fire would have spread very rapidly before anyone inside noticed. By that time, it would have been difficult to save the home and those inside could have been severely injured.”

. . .

“This is the fourth time in the last two years that sprinklers have extinguished a structure fire within the RSFFPD. In each scenario, the heat from the fire activated the nearest sprinkler head, immediately dousing the flames with water, minimizing property loss and injuries.”

Read . . . normal home burns to ground with potential loss of life. Same situation 4S Ranch home = $500 damage to the junk in your garage and a singed hand. Thats the difference between 4S Ranch and other homes not built with the same technology.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Aside from coastal areas of SD. 4S Ranch is probably one of the safest places in San Diego county when it comes to fire danger. Not a single home in 4S burned in the last fire. Moreover, every home has an extensive sprinkler system which has already successfully doused housefires started by dense homeowners. If you are worried about avoiding “fire danger” then 4S Ranch should be at the top of your list.

See this extensive thread on the topic.

http://piggington.com/4_closure_ranch_errr_scratch_that_fire_proof_ranch_new_nickname_

_____________________________

Great PDF Brochure by Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dept. on “Shelter in Place” concept of fire resistant construction found in newer communities within the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dist. which include

The Bridges
4S Ranch
Cielo
The Crosby Estates
Santa Fe Valley

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/education/preparedness/SIP_for_web.pdf
_______________

New York Times message to world . . . if your going to move to San Diego . . . 4S Ranch is one of 5 communities with “safe homes” from fire which did not burn. Good press for 4S.

________________________________

Exclusive homes emerge unscathed as fire-protection concept is tested

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071025/news_1n25stay.html#

_________________________________

Sprinkler System in 4S Ranch “saves dumb homeowners from themselves.:

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/news/news_releases/2005/100605%20Cayenne%20Creek%20Fire.pdf

“The Fire District encourages the use of sprinklers and other preparedness measures as a means of promoting fire-safe communities.” (Their words not mine)

Another fine example of the fire resistant technology built into 4S Ranch homes and how it gives added protection from fire compared to other homes and other communities in San Diego (even if you have a hair brained home owner throwing burning cigarrete butts onto flammable material in his garage). 4S homes are all separately plumbed with their own fire sprinkler system which is pressurized and distinct from the normal plumbing (I’m sure this cost me a small fortune). The water supply to the sprinkler systems is prioritized at the same level as the fire hydrants on the street. There are dozens of fire sprinklers on the cieling throughout my house including 4 sprinklers in the attic suspended just below the roof and a sprinkler outside of the front door (presumably to give a sprinkler protected escape route through the front door).

“The sprinkler definitely saved this home, and possibly the lives of those in the home,” said Captain Fred Cox, who responded to the call. “If there had not been a working sprinkler system in place, the fire would have spread very rapidly before anyone inside noticed. By that time, it would have been difficult to save the home and those inside could have been severely injured.”

. . .

“This is the fourth time in the last two years that sprinklers have extinguished a structure fire within the RSFFPD. In each scenario, the heat from the fire activated the nearest sprinkler head, immediately dousing the flames with water, minimizing property loss and injuries.”

Read . . . normal home burns to ground with potential loss of life. Same situation 4S Ranch home = $500 damage to the junk in your garage and a singed hand. Thats the difference between 4S Ranch and other homes not built with the same technology.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Aside from coastal areas of SD. 4S Ranch is probably one of the safest places in San Diego county when it comes to fire danger. Not a single home in 4S burned in the last fire. Moreover, every home has an extensive sprinkler system which has already successfully doused housefires started by dense homeowners. If you are worried about avoiding “fire danger” then 4S Ranch should be at the top of your list.

See this extensive thread on the topic.

http://piggington.com/4_closure_ranch_errr_scratch_that_fire_proof_ranch_new_nickname_

_____________________________

Great PDF Brochure by Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dept. on “Shelter in Place” concept of fire resistant construction found in newer communities within the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dist. which include

The Bridges
4S Ranch
Cielo
The Crosby Estates
Santa Fe Valley

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/education/preparedness/SIP_for_web.pdf
_______________

New York Times message to world . . . if your going to move to San Diego . . . 4S Ranch is one of 5 communities with “safe homes” from fire which did not burn. Good press for 4S.

________________________________

Exclusive homes emerge unscathed as fire-protection concept is tested

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071025/news_1n25stay.html#

_________________________________

Sprinkler System in 4S Ranch “saves dumb homeowners from themselves.:

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/news/news_releases/2005/100605%20Cayenne%20Creek%20Fire.pdf

“The Fire District encourages the use of sprinklers and other preparedness measures as a means of promoting fire-safe communities.” (Their words not mine)

Another fine example of the fire resistant technology built into 4S Ranch homes and how it gives added protection from fire compared to other homes and other communities in San Diego (even if you have a hair brained home owner throwing burning cigarrete butts onto flammable material in his garage). 4S homes are all separately plumbed with their own fire sprinkler system which is pressurized and distinct from the normal plumbing (I’m sure this cost me a small fortune). The water supply to the sprinkler systems is prioritized at the same level as the fire hydrants on the street. There are dozens of fire sprinklers on the cieling throughout my house including 4 sprinklers in the attic suspended just below the roof and a sprinkler outside of the front door (presumably to give a sprinkler protected escape route through the front door).

“The sprinkler definitely saved this home, and possibly the lives of those in the home,” said Captain Fred Cox, who responded to the call. “If there had not been a working sprinkler system in place, the fire would have spread very rapidly before anyone inside noticed. By that time, it would have been difficult to save the home and those inside could have been severely injured.”

. . .

“This is the fourth time in the last two years that sprinklers have extinguished a structure fire within the RSFFPD. In each scenario, the heat from the fire activated the nearest sprinkler head, immediately dousing the flames with water, minimizing property loss and injuries.”

Read . . . normal home burns to ground with potential loss of life. Same situation 4S Ranch home = $500 damage to the junk in your garage and a singed hand. Thats the difference between 4S Ranch and other homes not built with the same technology.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Aside from coastal areas of SD. 4S Ranch is probably one of the safest places in San Diego county when it comes to fire danger. Not a single home in 4S burned in the last fire. Moreover, every home has an extensive sprinkler system which has already successfully doused housefires started by dense homeowners. If you are worried about avoiding “fire danger” then 4S Ranch should be at the top of your list.

See this extensive thread on the topic.

http://piggington.com/4_closure_ranch_errr_scratch_that_fire_proof_ranch_new_nickname_

_____________________________

Great PDF Brochure by Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dept. on “Shelter in Place” concept of fire resistant construction found in newer communities within the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Dist. which include

The Bridges
4S Ranch
Cielo
The Crosby Estates
Santa Fe Valley

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/education/preparedness/SIP_for_web.pdf
_______________

New York Times message to world . . . if your going to move to San Diego . . . 4S Ranch is one of 5 communities with “safe homes” from fire which did not burn. Good press for 4S.

________________________________

Exclusive homes emerge unscathed as fire-protection concept is tested

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071025/news_1n25stay.html#

_________________________________

Sprinkler System in 4S Ranch “saves dumb homeowners from themselves.:

http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/news/news_releases/2005/100605%20Cayenne%20Creek%20Fire.pdf

“The Fire District encourages the use of sprinklers and other preparedness measures as a means of promoting fire-safe communities.” (Their words not mine)

Another fine example of the fire resistant technology built into 4S Ranch homes and how it gives added protection from fire compared to other homes and other communities in San Diego (even if you have a hair brained home owner throwing burning cigarrete butts onto flammable material in his garage). 4S homes are all separately plumbed with their own fire sprinkler system which is pressurized and distinct from the normal plumbing (I’m sure this cost me a small fortune). The water supply to the sprinkler systems is prioritized at the same level as the fire hydrants on the street. There are dozens of fire sprinklers on the cieling throughout my house including 4 sprinklers in the attic suspended just below the roof and a sprinkler outside of the front door (presumably to give a sprinkler protected escape route through the front door).

“The sprinkler definitely saved this home, and possibly the lives of those in the home,” said Captain Fred Cox, who responded to the call. “If there had not been a working sprinkler system in place, the fire would have spread very rapidly before anyone inside noticed. By that time, it would have been difficult to save the home and those inside could have been severely injured.”

. . .

“This is the fourth time in the last two years that sprinklers have extinguished a structure fire within the RSFFPD. In each scenario, the heat from the fire activated the nearest sprinkler head, immediately dousing the flames with water, minimizing property loss and injuries.”

Read . . . normal home burns to ground with potential loss of life. Same situation 4S Ranch home = $500 damage to the junk in your garage and a singed hand. Thats the difference between 4S Ranch and other homes not built with the same technology.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Realize that if you live west of I-5 you will be overcast and under a marine layer much of the time. Much more so than if you live just a few miles inland. For my money east of the I-5 and west of I-15 is better. The temps are still significantly cooler than east county but you are back from the coast far enough that the marine layer isn’t such an issue. In the case of 4S it sits at the head of the Carmel Valley and inland from San Dieguito Lagoon with no mountains in between 4S and the coast. On a clear day you can see the water from where I live in 4S (no I’m not trying to make an “ocean view” case but make the point that the lack mountains between 4S and the coast gives it the moderating coastal influence.) Thus it gets a nice coastal influence which moderates the climate stays several degrees cooler in summer than further inland. On many days when it is sunny and clear in 4S you will have overcast and marine layer in Del Mar (the coastal community you end up at if you head directly west) is cloudy and overcast. Bottom line. If you can afford it coastal living in San Diego is great. Its cooler but has many more couldy and overcast days due to the marine layer effect. I guess it all depends on your preference. I spent a summer in Texas (1985). I can assure you. The hotter than hell humid soup that is a Texas summer is a far cry from what you get during the summer in the communities east of I-5 and west of I-15.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Realize that if you live west of I-5 you will be overcast and under a marine layer much of the time. Much more so than if you live just a few miles inland. For my money east of the I-5 and west of I-15 is better. The temps are still significantly cooler than east county but you are back from the coast far enough that the marine layer isn’t such an issue. In the case of 4S it sits at the head of the Carmel Valley and inland from San Dieguito Lagoon with no mountains in between 4S and the coast. On a clear day you can see the water from where I live in 4S (no I’m not trying to make an “ocean view” case but make the point that the lack mountains between 4S and the coast gives it the moderating coastal influence.) Thus it gets a nice coastal influence which moderates the climate stays several degrees cooler in summer than further inland. On many days when it is sunny and clear in 4S you will have overcast and marine layer in Del Mar (the coastal community you end up at if you head directly west) is cloudy and overcast. Bottom line. If you can afford it coastal living in San Diego is great. Its cooler but has many more couldy and overcast days due to the marine layer effect. I guess it all depends on your preference. I spent a summer in Texas (1985). I can assure you. The hotter than hell humid soup that is a Texas summer is a far cry from what you get during the summer in the communities east of I-5 and west of I-15.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Realize that if you live west of I-5 you will be overcast and under a marine layer much of the time. Much more so than if you live just a few miles inland. For my money east of the I-5 and west of I-15 is better. The temps are still significantly cooler than east county but you are back from the coast far enough that the marine layer isn’t such an issue. In the case of 4S it sits at the head of the Carmel Valley and inland from San Dieguito Lagoon with no mountains in between 4S and the coast. On a clear day you can see the water from where I live in 4S (no I’m not trying to make an “ocean view” case but make the point that the lack mountains between 4S and the coast gives it the moderating coastal influence.) Thus it gets a nice coastal influence which moderates the climate stays several degrees cooler in summer than further inland. On many days when it is sunny and clear in 4S you will have overcast and marine layer in Del Mar (the coastal community you end up at if you head directly west) is cloudy and overcast. Bottom line. If you can afford it coastal living in San Diego is great. Its cooler but has many more couldy and overcast days due to the marine layer effect. I guess it all depends on your preference. I spent a summer in Texas (1985). I can assure you. The hotter than hell humid soup that is a Texas summer is a far cry from what you get during the summer in the communities east of I-5 and west of I-15.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

Realize that if you live west of I-5 you will be overcast and under a marine layer much of the time. Much more so than if you live just a few miles inland. For my money east of the I-5 and west of I-15 is better. The temps are still significantly cooler than east county but you are back from the coast far enough that the marine layer isn’t such an issue. In the case of 4S it sits at the head of the Carmel Valley and inland from San Dieguito Lagoon with no mountains in between 4S and the coast. On a clear day you can see the water from where I live in 4S (no I’m not trying to make an “ocean view” case but make the point that the lack mountains between 4S and the coast gives it the moderating coastal influence.) Thus it gets a nice coastal influence which moderates the climate stays several degrees cooler in summer than further inland. On many days when it is sunny and clear in 4S you will have overcast and marine layer in Del Mar (the coastal community you end up at if you head directly west) is cloudy and overcast. Bottom line. If you can afford it coastal living in San Diego is great. Its cooler but has many more couldy and overcast days due to the marine layer effect. I guess it all depends on your preference. I spent a summer in Texas (1985). I can assure you. The hotter than hell humid soup that is a Texas summer is a far cry from what you get during the summer in the communities east of I-5 and west of I-15.

grateful owner . . . .

[4Sbuyer2002]

If your ruling out places based on vulnerability to fire . . . don’t rule out 4S Ranch. 4S Ranch and four other recently built communities in the Rancho Santa Fe fire district are probably the safest homes from fire ANYWHERE in San Diego. Not a single 4S home burned.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071025/news_1n25stay.html#

The homes in 4S have been lauded as a model of how homes should be constructed in order to be “fire safe.”

The homes are deemed so safe that the fire department recommends you DO NOT evacuate during a wildfire like we had last week. The dangers inherent in evacuation are actually greater than staying in your home.
http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/education/preparedness/SIP_for_web.pdf

The homes in 4S have a variety of integrated features designed to make them “fire safe.”
http://www.rsf-fire.org/education/programs/adult_shelterinplace.asp

Moreover, firestorms like last month aside, even when some hairbrained 4S homeowner throws burning material into their garage with other combustibles and inevitably a fire starts. The fire safe features of the homes are so good the fires are immediately and automatically extinguished with little damage and no harm to occupants.
http://www.rsf-fire.org/assets/documents/news/news_releases/2005/100605%20Cayenne%20Creek%20Fire.pdf

Being nearer to the coast most likely wont make you safer for either of two reasons. 1) the homes are older and don’t have newer “fire safe” features, and 2) being right on the coast is NOT a gaurantee you aren’t going to be wiped out by a firestorm. Examples are Malibu in the most recent fires and most notably. Laguna Beach, CA in 1993
http://www.light-headed.com/asite/laguna/laguna_history/laguna_beach_fire.php

and the Oakland, CA fires of 1991.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_Hills_firestorm

Rather than being close to the coast to protect you from fire, you are better off (in terms of fire protection) to buy a newer home with newer “fire safe” technology intergrated into the homes. 4S homes are the among the very safest from fires anywhere in San Diego.

There are pluses and minuses to 4S. And reasons to buy in 4S or not. However, in your original post you excluded 4S due to “fire danger.” That is not a reason to exclude 4S. In fact if you are worried about fires. 4S should be at the top of your list. Not my 2 cents but that of the experts quoted in the articles linked to herein.

grateful owner . . . .

[Author]

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