Fire Adapted Communities
Fire Adapted Communities:
A Key Element of the Wildfire Cohesive Strategy
As wildfires grow more destructive across the U.S., especially in the West, the concept of Fire Adapted Communities (FACs) has emerged as a central approach to building wildfire resilience.
Developed as part of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy—often referred to as the Cohesive Strategy—Fire Adapted Communities (FACs) are a vital component in preparing for, surviving, and recovering from wildfire.
This strategy recognizes a simple but powerful truth: wildfire is inevitable—but widespread destruction doesn’t have to be.
What Is a Fire Adapted Community?
A Fire Adapted Community is one that understands its wildfire risk and has taken coordinated action to reduce it. It includes residents, local governments, fire departments, land managers, businesses, and emergency services all working together to make the community safer before a wildfire starts.
FACs don’t just rely on firefighters or outside agencies—they actively share responsibility. The goal is to create places where:
Homes and infrastructure can withstand wildfire
Residents are prepared to evacuate early and safely
Community values and resources are protected
Recovery after wildfire is faster and more organized
Key Elements of a Fire Adapted Community
A Fire Adapted Community is more than a collection of fire-safe homes—it’s an integrated system of education, infrastructure, planning, and collaboration.
Core Elements
Home hardening and defensible space practices by individual homeowners
Community-wide fuel reduction efforts (e.g., prescribed burning, vegetation management)
Land use planning and building codes that account for fire risk
Emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, and alert systems
Education and outreach programs to build a culture of fire awareness
Partnerships with local fire agencies, land managers, and nonprofit organizations
Post-fire recovery planning and support systems
Programs like Firewise USA®, Ready, Set, Go!, and Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) are often part of an FAC’s toolkit.
Benefits of Becoming Fire Adapted
Lower risk of property loss and injury during wildfire
Faster, more organized evacuations and response
Stronger relationships between residents and first responders
Better eligibility for state and federal wildfire grants and funding
Greater resilience and quicker recovery after fire events
How to Get Started
Building a Fire Adapted Community starts with small steps:
Contact rayner@cabigsur.org
Host community meetings and engage neighbors
Work with Big Sur Fire, Mid-Coast Fire, and the Fire Safe Council for Monterey County
Participate in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Monterey County update
Organize fuel reduction projects or home inspection days
Connect with national programs like Firewise USA® or Ready, Set, Go!
Living with Fire
Wildfires are a part of life in Big Sur, but destruction doesn't have to be. By embracing the principles of Fire Adapted Communities—alongside resilient landscapes and safe fire response—we can live more safely with wildfire.
Learn More
Fire Adapted Communities
FAC Learning Network
https://fireadapted.org/National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy
USDA/DOI
https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/
Fire Adapted Big Sur is a program of the Community Association of Big Sur