Firewise Communities
Firewise USA® Communities raise awareness, organize at the community level, coordinate work parties, and take action to create fire-adapted communities through the implementation of defensible space standards.
Why become a Firewise USA® Community?
Scientific research has proven that when adequately prepared, a house has a better chance to withstand a wildfire without the intervention of fire suppression services. And when firefighters do make a stand to save a home, Firewise USA® Communities provide a safer working environment to help make a nearly impossible job possible.
The goal is to encourage and acknowledge action that can minimize home loss to wildfire. It teaches you to prepare for a fire before it occurs. The program adapts well to small communities, developments, and residential associations of all types, but can work for any neighborhood where motivated homeowners come together to create a safer environment.
The Mono County Office of Emergency Management can help you with understanding Firewise USA® and how to become a Firewise community. We are available to present to the community in person information about the Firewise program and the benefits of joining the program and can assist with providing free defensible space evaluations.
The Firewise USA® recognition program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is intended to serve as a resource for city, county, state, federal agencies, tribes, organizations, fire departments and communities that work toward a common goal to reduce loss of life, property, and resources to wildland fire.
The Firewise USA® program emphasizes community/neighborhood responsibility in planning the design of a safe community, as well as an effective emergency response and individual responsibility for safer home construction and design, landscaping, and maintenance.
Communities that are concerned enough about wildfire can work together to protect their community by becoming a Firewise USA® Community.
