Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District residents have until Friday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m. to weigh in on the district's first strategic plan in a decade.

The San Diego Union-Tribune first reported that the district is asking people across its 50-square-mile service area to complete a short online survey covering emergency preparedness, wildfire concerns and future priorities. The survey has been distributed through local homeowners associations and community groups.

No special expertise is needed. Sarah Montagne, the district's executive assistant and board clerk, said the survey takes about five to 10 minutes and does not require any background knowledge of how the district operates.

It is the first time the district has opened its planning process to public input.

The 2026 strategic plan is the district's first formalized set of priorities since 2016, the year Rancho Santa Fe merged with the Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Fire Department. The district opened its newest station in Harmony Grove in 2020 and now serves communities including Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Cielo, The Crosby, 4S Ranch, Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove.

Fire Chief Dave McQuead said the feedback will help the district understand what is working, where it can improve and what priorities should guide its future. "Feedback is a valuable and vital part of this process," he said.

Consultant Mike Kraus is facilitating the planning effort. Kraus presented a Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Coverage report to the five-member board at its Wednesday, July 15, meeting, according to district minutes. That assessment served as the first step in building the strategic plan.

The board, led by President James H. Ashcraft, discussed plan objectives at a special workshop on Monday, Oct. 5. The agenda listed the strategic plan item as "direction only," and meeting minutes have not yet been posted.

Directors are expected to finalize goals at their next regular meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. at the district's board room, 18027 Calle Ambiente, Suite 101, Rancho Santa Fe. The district hopes to approve the finished plan by December.

The survey is available at ranchosantafefire.gov or by calling (858) 756-5971.