As East County San Diego enters the peak of wildfire season, Santee Junk Removal, a locally owned hauling company, is reminding homeowners in Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, Spring Valley, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, and Grossmont that clearing dry brush, dead vegetation, and accumulated yard debris is one of the most effective steps to protect their properties. Fire officials routinely encourage residents in wildland-adjacent neighborhoods to maintain defensible space by removing combustible materials such as dead branches, overgrown landscaping, and old wood piles from around structures.
For many homeowners, yard waste has been piling up for months by the time fire season arrives. Renting a truck and making trips to Sycamore Landfill can consume an entire weekend. John Souphalith, owner of Santee Junk Removal, notes that the company frequently receives calls from residents who have let brush accumulate. "Every year around this time we get calls from people who finally looked at the brush pile behind their fence and realized it's been sitting there since spring," he said. "We can usually get a crew out same day, load it all up, and it's handled. It's a small thing that makes a real difference if a fire does come through the area."
The company offers several services tailored for wildfire season preparation, including yard waste and brush removal, garage and storage cleanouts, and renovation debris removal. Removing dead branches, dry vegetation, and overgrown trimmings from around the home helps create a defensible space. Clearing stacked boxes, old furniture, and other clutter from garages or against house walls reduces potential fuel sources. For homeowners upgrading roofing, siding, or decking as part of fire-hardening efforts, the company also hauls renovation debris.
Santee Junk Removal operates with transparent pricing based on the volume of items, providing free, upfront quotes with no hidden fees. Usable items are donated or recycled before anything is taken to Sycamore Landfill. The company is fully licensed and insured, with crews trained to handle yard waste, storage clutter, and construction debris safely.
Residents throughout Santee and East County can request a free, no-obligation quote by calling (619) 792-1285 or by submitting a request through the company's website at santeejunkremoval.com. With fire season underway, taking proactive steps to reduce fire risk is crucial for the safety of homes and communities.
