The Fire Moat: Rancho Mission Viejo on High Alert for Prevention
Rancho Mission Viejo has become a model for proactive wildfire prevention, investing heavily in what it calls a “fire moat” — a 1,500-acre buffer of preserved open space surrounding its master-planned communities. As wildfire risks intensify across California, the developer has worked closely with local fire authorities to incorporate advanced prevention strategies, including irrigated fuel breaks, controlled burns, fire-resistant landscaping and a state-of-the-art monitoring system.
The fire moat initiative is part of a broader long-term plan by Rancho Mission Viejo to protect its residents while continuing to develop responsibly across 23,000 acres in South Orange County. With more than 4,000 homes built and thousands more planned, the project’s emphasis on safety and sustainability is drawing attention as a potential blueprint for other high-risk areas across the state.
