This two-page framework shows fire departments and community organizations how to engage youth as partners in wildfire preparedness. Built on the Ready, Set, Go! model, it positions young people as educators and advocates who build awareness (Ready), strengthen household preparedness (Set), and take local action (Go) alongside their departments.
Youth engagement extends preparedness work beyond traditional outreach. It strengthens trust and shared responsibility for wildfire safety, builds early awareness that carries into adulthood, prompts family-level conversations about risk, and reinforces consistent safety messaging across a community.
Four ways to engage youth
- Partner with local schools. Classroom presentations, wildfire safety assemblies, or short Ready, Set, Go! sessions tied to science, safety, or environmental curriculum.
- Collaborate with youth organizations. Work with 4-H clubs, scout troops, Future Farmers of America chapters, and after-school programs to fold wildfire preparedness into activities already on their calendars.
- Support school districts and educators. Provide lesson materials, activity sheets, and guest speakers that teachers can drop into existing schedules.
- Reach community centers and libraries. Host preparedness workshops, summer camp sessions, or family safety days designed for youth participation.
The framework also points to three companion resources for younger audiences: the Youth Guide for grades K-4, the Youth Magazine for grades 5-8, and the National Action Guide.
This publication was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, under a cooperative agreement with the International Association of Fire Chiefs.