When it comes to wildfire, no single person alone can protect a community. Residents throughout California are joining forces to create local Fire Safe Councils to effectively reduce and prevent wildfire losses.

Fire Safe Councils are grassroots, community-led organizations that mobilize residents to protect their homes, communities, and environments from catastrophic wildfire. A local Fire Safe Council is often sparked by a catalyst – perhaps a recent fire or a group of neighbors eager to spread a fire-safe message – then embraced by the community, which turns that initial interest into a committed group that finds ways to empower the residents to do their part to make the community safer.

Fire Safe Councils throughout California educate homeowners about community wildfire preparedness activities while working with local fire officials to design and implement projects that increase the wildfire survivability of their communities. Many Fire Safe Councils have successfully implemented such projects as hazardous-fuel-reduction projects, Community Wildfire Protection Planning, and homeowner training.

By mobilizing the community members who stand to lose the most, Fire Safe Councils create a powerful group initiative that can:

• Minimize risks to life, homes, and natural and human-made resources.

• Increase the insurability of property by increasing community safety.

• Forge strong partnerships with first responders.

• Acquire resources that can assist in fire prevention efforts.

Your Pathway to Better Home Protection Against Wildfire

We can’t stop wildfire; however, these steps will guide you through required actions to help protect your home and receive a designation certificate.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be the homeowner. 

• Photos of all four sides of the home, showing the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone, are required. 

• The home must be a single-family, detached house (no townhomes or condos) with three stories or less. 

• The home must be in California or Oregon. 

NOTE:

• The designation has strict requirements, with no exceptions. Protected trees may disqualify some homes, and some homeowners may need to work with neighbors to meet the 5-foot noncombustible setback. 

• A 0–5 foot noncombustible buffer around your home and decks is mandatory. All vegetation and trees, including overhanging branches, grass, artificial turf, wood mulch, wood and vinyl fencing, and stored items within this area must be removed. 

The national Firewise USA recognition program provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community and to reduce wildfire risks at the local level.

Any community that meets a set of voluntary criteria on an annual basis and retains an “In Good Standing Status” may identify itself as being a Firewise Site. 

The Firewise USA program is administered by NFPA® and is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. While the NFPA administers this program, individuals and communities participate on a voluntary basis. The NFPA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from participation in the Firewise USA® program. The NFPA® also makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of program guidance. 

FireSafe Council Vendor List

The Fire Safe Vendor List is being promoted to thousands of individuals and organizations across the state via social media campaigns, email marketing, in-person conferences, and via our partner organizations.

This inaugural edition features a diverse range of vendors, from well-known and established businesses to emerging innovators offering cutting-edge solutions. 

Their intention is that the List should become a valuable resource as a directory and a platform to empower collaboration, spark innovation, and create safer communities.

When it comes to wildfire, no single person alone can protect a community. Residents throughout California are joining forces to create local Fire Safe Councils to effectively reduce and prevent wildfire losses.

Fire Safe Councils are grassroots, community-led organizations that mobilize residents to protect their homes, communities, and environments from catastrophic wildfire. A local Fire Safe Council is often sparked by a catalyst – perhaps a recent fire or a group of neighbors eager to spread a fire-safe message – then embraced by the community, which turns that initial interest into a committed group that finds ways to empower the residents to do their part to make the community safer.