Firewise USA®

Firewise USA® is a national program that helps neighbors work together to reduce wildfire risk. By earning Firewise recognition, our neighbors demonstrate commitment to safer homes, stronger neighborhoods, and wildfire preparedness.

Benefits of Participation

  • Gain recognition as a Firewise USA® site.

    NFPA/Firewise USA logo

  • Strengthen neighborhood collaboration.

    Two people operating a woodchipper

  • Reduce wildfire risk through collective action.

    Fire trucks stationed at a turnout with a wildfire on the hills behind

  • Access resources and technical support from the NFPA.

    NFPA logo

  • Potential financial incentives, including insurance discounts or grant eligibility.

    Closeup of redwood sticks and ivy on the ground of a redwood forest

How the Program Works

  • A group of people seated in a circle with papers

    Organize It

    Form a small committee or board of residents to lead local efforts.

  • A man speaking with a microphone

    Plan It

    Collaborate with a local wildfire mitigation expert to complete a risk assessment and develop an action plan.

  • A man loading a wood chipper

    Do It

    Host a wildfire preparedness activity such as brush clearing, home hardening demonstrations, or community clean-up days.

  • Three people overlooking the ocean on a dirt road

    Tell It

    Document at least one hour of wildfire mitigation work per dwelling unit each year.

  • NFPA/Firewise USA logo

    Apply It

    Submit an annual renewal form to maintain Firewise USA® recognition.

Firewise USA® communities can be as small as eight residential dwellings or as large as 2,500 residential dwellings. The program is flexible and designed to scale to the needs of each neighborhood.

Get Involved

You don’t need to be an expert to start a Firewise USA® community—all you need is interest, commitment, and neighbors who care about wildfire safety. Resources, training, and guidance are available for free through FABS and the NFPA website.

Condor icon

  • Explore toolkits, webinars, and success stories at www.firewise.org.

  • Reach out to rayner@cabigsur.org to connect locally and learn how to get started.

  • Join other Firewise-recognized communities already active in Big Sur.

Helpful Videos

Our community is interested…what’s our next step?

Watch this 13-minute Firewise USA® Application Tutorial

We're already a Firewise® USA-recognized community.
How do we remain a Firewise® USA community in good-standing?

Watch this 5-minute Firewise USA® Renewal Tutorial

Fire Adapted Big Sur is a program of the Community Association of Big Sur