San Diego County residents will vote Tuesday on a proposed $52 a year parcel tax to fund countywide firefighting efforts.

If approved by two-thirds of voters, Proposition A would raise about $50 million annually, with half of the money going to local fire departments and fire protection districts and the other half being used for new equipment.

Passage of the measure would also create a regional fire authority made up of San Diego County, the 18 cities in the region and many of the firefighting agencies in unincorporated areas.

County Supervisor Ron Roberts and Mayor Jerry Sanders headed up a commission that sought the measure to provide funding for firefighting efforts in the wake of the devastating 2003 and 2007 wildfires.

Those fires collectively claimed 27 lives, destroyed more than 4,000 homes and forced tens of thousands from their residences.

"This measure would dramatically improve our ability to fight fires not only here in the city but also in the backcountry where the fires of 2003 and 2007 started and spread to the city," Sanders said.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in August to put Proposition A on the ballot.

Opponents argue that the measure isn't specific about how the money will be spent. They also claim that county revenues have soared in recent years, and yet the Board of Supervisors has not bolstered firefighting funding.

Detractors also noted that people who live on large plots in the backcountry would pay the same as someone living in an urban condo, detractors say.

Councilwoman Donna Frye argued during a recent City Council meeting that it was a bad idea to raise taxes during the "worst of economic times."

She said the money could come through existing revenue streams.

Those in favor of the measure point to the firestorms as justification for the proposed tax increase.

Supporters say the new equipment, including aircraft and engines, along with improved coordination from a countywide firefighting agency will help make the region better prepared for the next firestorm.