Mono County Residents Encouraged to Become Firewise and Protect their Community

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (February 13, 2025) – The Mono County Office of Emergency Management encourages all residents to join the Firewise USA program and take an active role in protecting their homes and communities from the threat of wildfire. Now, more than ever, taking preventative measures and being prepared could make all the difference in a disaster event.

The Firewise USA program, administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides a framework for neighbors to work together to reduce wildfire risks.

"Wildfires are a serious threat to our communities, but we can all take steps to reduce our risk,” said Mono County Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator Wendilyn Grasseschi. “The Firewise program empowers residents to work together and make their homes and neighborhoods safer." 

Benefits of Firewise Communities:

• Reduced Wildfire Risk: By implementing Firewise principles, communities can significantly reduce their vulnerability to wildfire.
• Improved Home Ignition Resistance: Learn how to create defensible space around your home and harden your property against embers.
• Increased Community Preparedness: Work together with your neighbors to develop and implement a wildfire preparedness plan.
• Eligibility for Grant Funding: Firewise communities may be eligible for grant funding to support wildfire mitigation projects.
• Potential Insurance Discounts: California has enacted “Safer from Wildfires” regulations that require insurance companies to recognize Firewise USA® designated communities by providing discounts to property owners in those communities. 

How to Become Firewise:

Becoming a recognized Firewise Community involves four key steps:

1. Organize: Form a group of dedicated residents to lead the Firewise effort.
2. Plan: Conduct a community wildfire risk assessment and develop a three-year action plan.
3. Act: Implement the action plan by completing wildfire mitigation projects and conducting community education events.
4. Apply: Submit an application to the NFPA to become a recognized Firewise Community.

Take Action Today:

Mono County residents are encouraged to visit the County’s Firewise website at monocounty.ca.gov/wildfire/page/firewise-communities to learn more about the Firewise USA program and how to get their neighborhood  involved. Residents are encouraged to contact Mono County Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator Wendilyn Grasseschi by phone at 970-509-0126 or by email at wgrasseschi@mono.ca.gov for more information.

By working together, we can create more resilient communities and protect our homes and families from the threat of wildfire.

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