Firewise Explained

What Firewise USA® is, and what it asks of us

Firewise USA® is a national recognition program run by the National Fire Protection Association. It does not regulate anyone. It gives a community a structure for reducing its own wildfire risk — and proof that it did.

Recognized Firewise USA® site

Insurance agents can use our recognition certificate and community boundary map to verify Firewise discount eligibility. Both download together below.

What recognition requires

A resident-led board or committee

At least a small group of residents that meets, makes decisions, and represents the site to the state Firewise liaison.

A community wildfire risk assessment

A written assessment of vegetation, topography, structures, access, and water supply, completed with a forestry or fire professional and updated at least every five years.

A three-year action plan

Prioritized goals drawn from the assessment, with responsible parties and target dates. Ours is published as a living page rather than a buried PDF.

Annual investment in risk reduction

Each year the community must invest the equivalent of one volunteer hour per dwelling unit. Volunteer time, contractor spending, and grant work all count.

At least one educational outreach event

A Firewise Day, workshop, or community cleanup that brings residents together around wildfire preparedness.

An annual renewal report

Submitted through the national Firewise USA portal, summarizing the year's activity, hours, and dollars invested.

Why it is worth the effort

A shared, documented plan instead of forty-six separate opinions about wildfire risk.
Eligibility and competitiveness for CAL FIRE and Fire Safe Council grant funding.
Recognition that some insurance carriers consider when writing or renewing policies in high-risk areas.
A standing relationship with the local fire department, county, and state agencies.
Documented volunteer hours and investment that make the annual renewal a formality rather than a scramble.
Neighbors who know each other before an incident, not during one.

What residents are asked to do

Clear your own property

Zone 0 through Zone 2 defensible space around your home is the single highest-value action. The committee will help if you cannot do it yourself.

Report your hours

Every hour you spend clearing, chipping, or hauling counts toward the community's annual investment requirement. Log it on the volunteer page.

Show up once a year

First Saturday in May is our Firewise Day. It satisfies the outreach requirement and is the one day the whole community works together.