FIREWISE USA® Community Program
Every year, devastating wildfires burn across the United States. At the same time, a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. While these fires will continue to happen, there are things you can do to protect your home and neighborhood as well as your family’s safety.
The Firewise USA® program is here to help you get started. FIREWISE USA is a national recognition program developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The program helps homeowners learn how to reduce wildfire risk on their property and in the surrounding community.
What Is FIREWISE USA®?
FIREWISE USA® is a voluntary, national recognition program that provides a framework for neighbors to work together to reduce wildfire risk. By organizing as a Firewise community, residents take collective action to harden homes, create defensible space, and plan for wildfire emergencies.
Participation can strengthen partnerships with local fire agencies, support grant applications, and help neighborhoods prepare for and recover from wildfire events.
Four Steps to Becoming FIREWISE
Becoming a recognized Firewise USA® community follows four simple steps. These steps help your neighborhood get organized, understand its wildfire risk, take action, and receive formal recognition.
1 Organize It
Create a volunteer board or committee to represent your community and lead the Firewise effort.
- Designate a resident leader as the main point of contact.
- Create a community profile on the Firewise Portal.
- Map and confirm your site boundaries as part of the application.
2 Plan It
Work with your neighbors and local fire professionals to understand your wildfire risk.
- Follow Firewise guidelines to complete a community wildfire risk assessment.
- Update the risk assessment at least every 5 years.
- Use the assessment to develop a three-year action plan for reducing wildfire risk.
3 Do It
Put your plan into action and engage neighbors in wildfire risk reduction activities.
- Host at least one wildfire risk reduction educational outreach event in the community each year.
- Carry out projects identified in your three-year action plan.
- Document volunteer hours, in-kind contributions, and project work completed.
4 Apply for Recognition
Once your community has organized, planned, and taken action, submit your application for Firewise recognition.
- Form a Firewise community board of at least three members.
- Compile and report the community’s wildfire risk reduction efforts and accomplishments.
- Submit your application through the Firewise Portal to become a recognized Firewise USA® site.