SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Emergency preparedness is top of mind for many in the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and recent fires here in San Diego County.  On Wednesday, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department gave an update to the city council's Public Safety Committee on where things stand heading into the 2025 fire season. The presentation highlighted that when it comes to having the resources in place to fight fires, local fire crews are ready and well equipped. However, there are some challenges when it comes to brush mitigation, particularly on public land, which the city is looking to address.  San Diego Unified reacts to deportation plans Stephen Whitburn, a councilmen representing District 3, stressed urgency to fill additional fire department staffing needs. He said, “I will communicate and I will state for the record that I would like to see those positions filled immediately.” While all 52 of the city’s fire stations are currently operating with full staff, five roles related to brush management on city-owned land remain unfilled. According to Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Tony Tosca, the department is still working to fill the roles and working to fulfill recommendations outlined in a 2023 audit.  “We’ve whittled down working with our city partners, parks and rec, and other responsible partners to cut that 3,203 acres in half," said Tosca. "So we’ve recognized it's not as much but we still need some regulations that says the fire department can tell another department that you must do this.” Vice chair and District 7 councilmember Raul Campillo says he’s heard concerns from residents he represents. He stated, “If you look at our emails at city council, our constituents are telling us they see a lot of brush particularly in our canyons and our open spaces.” While drought conditions are a major concern, San Diego Fire-Rescue can turn to regional partners for support.  Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy says there’s also other routine check ups conducted to ensure communities are well positioned. He commented, “We consistently check the fire hydrants ourselves on the fire department to ensure there is water coming out of the hydrants. We flow test them. As you know, there are over 1,000 hydrants cross the city.” On top of that, the fire department works to educate residents on clearing brush from their properties and having that defensible space.  But still, the city is aware of the work it must put in to help keep communities safe. “We need to address that staffing by getting those contracts out, making them emergency contracts if we have to pass a special resolution to declare them emergency contracts -- we need to do those sorts of things," Campillo continued. County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer shared a post on social media, noting that she and Supervisor Joel Anderson have invited the sheriff and fire chief to present on San Diego County’s emergency response efforts at the next board meeting which is scheduled for next Tuesday.