What is Firewise USA®?

Firewise USA® Communities build wildfire awareness and take organized, community-wide steps to reduce risk. Neighbors work together to coordinate projects and work days, and to apply defensible space practices that help create fire-adapted communities.

Why become a Firewise USA® Community?

Research shows that a well-prepared home is more likely to survive a wildfire—even without help from fire suppression services. And when firefighters are able to defend homes, Firewise USA® Communities offer a safer, more workable environment that supports their efforts.

Program purpose and who it’s for

Firewise USA® exists to encourage and recognize practical actions that can reduce home loss to wildfire. It focuses on getting ready before a fire happens. The program works especially well for small communities, developments, and residential associations, but it can be used in nearly any neighborhood where committed residents come together to improve safety.

Administered by NFPA

The Firewise USA® recognition program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It serves as a resource for agencies, tribes, organizations, fire departments, and communities working toward the shared goal of reducing the loss of life, property, and natural resources from wildland fire.

Shared responsibility, stronger protection

Firewise USA® emphasizes neighborhood-level responsibility for planning and preparedness, effective emergency response, and individual actions such as safer building and design choices, landscaping, and ongoing maintenance. Communities concerned about wildfire can make a meaningful difference by working together as a Firewise USA® Community.

Benefits of Firewise USA Communities

The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA® program teaches communities how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent property losses.

There are several benefits for communities and individual homeowners who decide to put in the work and time to become a Firewise USA® Community:

Learn about Wildfire: When people are more aware of their risk and better understand their risk, they tend to be more proactive in reducing their risk. Ventura County has a fire history that has shown residents live in and around an environment with frequent wildland fires.

Insurance Discounts: Recent evidence suggests that residents of Firewise USA® Communities are less likely to receive letters of “non-renewal”.  The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has issued rules that require insurers to offer discounts to property owners who have reduced their wildfire risk.  Residents who live in a wildland urban interface areas and are members of a Firewise USA® Community may be eligible for a discount through your insurance company. 

Maintaining Firewise USA Community Status

Being part of a recognized Firewise USA® community is reporting the ongoing work residents or the community completes each year to reduce their wildfire risks, while addressing the areas identified in the community wildfire risk assessment.  Every year, the community must submit an annual renewal to maintain their “Firewise USA® Status”.