The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience in California. This initiative promotes collaborative efforts among residents, local fire departments, and other key stakeholders to bolster the fire resistance of homes and surroundings. Integral to California’s wildfire preparedness strategy, the program is supported by CAL FIRE’s Community Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Division, aiding communities in achieving Firewise designation.
The Dry Creek Valley is home to at least three Firewise USA® Communities: Walling Road COPE, West Geyserville and North Geyserville. To obtain recognition as an official Firewise community from the NFPA, a volunteer board representing the community establishes the boundary of the site (from 8 to 2,500 dwelling units), conducts a risk assessment and develops a multi-year action plan based on community needs and local fire prevention and response capabilities. Annual required activities include home hardening, defensible space/fuel reduction, education and outreach and evacuation planning. Property owners are accountable for the former two and are invited to participate and contribute to the latter. Recertification is an annual process.
The benefits of Firewise recognition to property owners are significant. Prioritizing communitywide efforts creates shared, realistic annual fire hardening goals and strengthens mutual support within the neighborhood. Our Firewise communities collaborate in organizing educational and social activities, to broaden neighborhood reach. Finally, there are some homeowner insurance companies who recognize the value of Firewise USA® and may offer discounts accordingly.
