Get recognized as a Firewise USA® Neighborhood

We encourage you to do your own research on the NFPA website. Additionally, read the instructions in each of the required documents to learn more about the process.

• For portal-related questions or application extensions, email [email protected].
• To connect with your local fire department, research your city’s fire department.
  • For most of Ventura County contact [email protected]
  • For the Fillmore Fire Department visit fillmoreca.gov
  • For the City of Ventura Fire contact [email protected]. 
• For general inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

You can also book a 15-minute virtual consultation with our Regional Coordinator. Use our booking link above to schedule an information session with your Firewise team or resident leader.

Possibly. Under California Safer from Wildfires, becoming a Firewise USA® community qualifies you for discounts under insurance companies approved by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). However, there is no mandatory minimum so discount amounts vary (0.1%–15%). Check with your provider to confirm your eligibility. 

Additionally, insurers are only updated twice a year by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Therefore, if you recently became recognized your insurer may not have that information. If needed, you may be able to provide them with your community’s Firewise certificate as proof.

Safer from Wildfires also lists several home hardening actions that can qualify you for insurance. Read the complete list here.

Separately, in 2024, Ventura County Fire Department was added to the Fire Risk Reduction Community (FRRC) List, which is unrelated to Firewise but may also qualify properties for insurance discounts. This applies to areas under Ventura County Fire Department’s jurisdiction, excluding Oxnard, Ventura, and Fillmore, for 2 years.

Sources:

• CDI Safer from Wildfire Regulations
• NFPA Firewise Insurance Discounts
• Fire Risk Reduction Community List

For more information on insurance, check our Insurance and Recovery Page.

The initial Firewise application covers a 12-month period. You can choose when this period starts and ends. Some communities have achieved recognition in as little as 3 months.

For example: If you plan to upload and submit all your documents in the Firewise portal in 2 months, you can include the activities from the past 10 months as part of your required annual investment.

Currently, it is not a requirement of the program to have 100% community participation for Firewise USA recognition. It's a voluntary program where communities meet criteria for national recognition, not certification. It's based on efforts to create safer communities, using an honors system, so not everyone has to participate. In the spirit of the program, communities should work towards 100% participation within their 3-year action plans.

See the NFPA’s Sites of Excellence for information on what communities across the nation have done to garner community participation.

See the NFPA’s investment list of qualifying activities.

Note: The initial Firewise application covers a 12-month period. You can choose when this period starts and ends. If you plan to upload and submit all your documents in the Firewise portal in two months, you can include the activities from the past 10 months as part of your required annual investment.

Every community tracks its investment differently. Here are simple options to choose from or customize:

• Leverage HOA/POA methods
  • If you have an HOA or POA, they may already track vegetation removal and costs, which counts toward your investment.
• Online Presence
  • Use a Facebook page or website, such as Ondulando’s Firewise Website.
• Paper or Digital Forms
  • Hand out a paper form distributed to new residents and at community meetings.
  • Create your own digital survey distributed via e-newsletters or community email chain

See what activities count towards your Time and Investment. Tracking vegetation removal is optional, but highly encouraged.

Ensure your community team understands the criteria by thoroughly reading the instructions in each required document. View the sample documents at the bottom of this webpage.

Risk Assessment

• View the sample Risk Assessment available below under the "Required Documents" section.
• Inconsistent dwelling units: maintain consistency in dwelling unit numbers across all submitted documents.
• Insufficient maps: include a clear boundary with visible streets in your submitted map. A simple Google Maps screen grab should suffice.
• Not selecting that you are next to adjacent lands with accumulated fuels: look at the general topography of your location, if you are within several hundred yards of wildlands then mark the checkbox. A quick Google search should let you know who manages the land near you.

Action Plan

• View the sample Action Plan available below under the "Required Documents" section.
• Utilize page 9 of your risk assessment to inform and guide your Action Plan.
• Year 1 of your Action Plan begins the year after your application year.
• Steer clear of vague goals. Write goals that are specific, measurable, and include percentages for improved compliance year by year. Refrain from using language such as "same as previous year."
• Too little information in each section. Each year should progressively move your community towards better compliance. Learn more on topics such as evacuation planning, home hardening, and defensible space. See our Resources tab or contact us for more information.

By adhering to these guidelines, you increase the likelihood of a successful application submission.

Annually: report your investment and host an outreach event

Every 3 years: update your Action Plan

Every 5 years: update your Risk Assessment

Go beyond the requirements to enhance wildfire safety. Explore Marin County’s recommended actions to take for Firewise recognized communities.

Check the map below (scroll to bottom of this page) to see if your community is recognized as a Firewise USA® site. However, this map may not always be up to date.