The NFPA Firewise USA program helps communities and homeowners reduce wildfire risk by providing a framework for education, action, and collaboration, teaching people how to prepare their homes and neighborhoods to resist ignition, create defensible space, and work together to prevent property loss, ultimately leading to national recognition.
What it does:
- Educates Homeowners: Provides resources and workshops on wildfire behavior, creating defensible space (the “home ignition zone”), and hardening homes against embers.
- Empowers Communities: Encourages neighbors to form committees, conduct wildfire risk assessments, and develop annual action plans for mitigation.
- Promotes Collaboration: Focuses on neighbors working together, recognizing that collective action significantly reduces overall risk.
- Offers a Recognition Program: Communities that follow a six-step process (forming a board, risk assessment, action plan, education, annual action) can become nationally recognized Firewise USA sites, demonstrating commitment to wildfire safety.
- Provides Tools: Offers toolkits and guidance for creating site profiles, boundary maps, and implementing risk reduction strategies.