To facilitate local solutions to wildfire preparedness goals, the Firewise Communities/USA program recognizes communities for working together to protect residents and property from fire in the wildland/urban interface. To be recognized as a Firewise Communities/USA site, local communities must create and implement a local plan with cooperative assistance from state forestry agencies and local fire staff. In addition, communities are required to continue regular maintenance and education to retain recognition status.
Fire-prone communities earn Firewise Communities/USA recognition status by meeting the following criteria:
Enlisting a wildland/urban interface specialist to complete an assessment and create a plan that identifies locally agreed-upon solutions that the community can implement.
Sponsoring a local Firewise task force, committee, commission or department which maintains the Firewise Community program and tracks its progress or status.
Observing a Firewise Communities/USA Day each year that is dedicated to a local Firewise project.
Investing a minimum of $2.00 annually per capita in local Firewise Communities/USA efforts. (Work by municipal employees or volunteers using Municipal and other equipment can be included, as can state/federal grants dedicated to that purpose.)
Submitting an annual report to Firewise Communities/USA, documenting continuing compliance with the program.
