Firewise 101 Series

Monthly virtual series hosted by FSCMC to support communities at every stage of the Firewise USA® recognition process. Each session includes a short educational presentation followed by open office hours where participants can ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and connect with others working towards wildfire resilience.

download the series flyer

frequently asked questions

​What are benefits to becoming a Firewise community? 
Access to resources, network of a growing ​Firewise communities, and tools for wildfire preparedness at the individual and community level. Helps guide actionable measures to reduce home fire damage and risk. Strengthening community collaboration with local fire authorities. 
​Who can start a Firewise USA site? 
Any community, neighborhood, HOA, or group of 8–2,500 homes located in a wildfire-prone area can begin the process of recognition.
​Will I get an insurance discount? 
CA has enacted “Safer from Wildfires” regulations, requiring insurance companies to recognize Firewise USA acknowledged communities by providing discounts to property owners in those communities. - NFPA
Becoming Firewise qualifies you for discounts, but there is no mandatory minimum that insurance companies need to abide by. NFPA updates insurers twice a year, your information might not be updated. Confirm with your provider. You could possibly use the Firewise recognition certificate as proof of contributing to wildfire risk reduction efforts. 
​Does my community need 100% participation? 
Currently, NFPA does not require 100% participation to keep status. This program is entirely voluntary and community-based. It is based on efforts from community members to create a more wildfire resilient neighborhood. Communities should aim for greater engagement from neighbors, this can be outlined in your 3 year action plan.
​How long will it take to get Firewise recognition for my community? 
This is a process and community effort. Meeting all of the recognition criteria can take between 6 months to 1 year according to the NFPA.
​How do we maintain our Firewise recognition status? 
Keep track of requirements! 
Annual wildfire preparedness event (this can be done with other FW as well!) & reporting investments
Every 3 yrs: update Action Plan 
Every 5 yrs: update Risk Assessment
The Fire Safe Council For Monterey County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. 
Your contribution is tax-deductible, as allowed by law. 
Our organization is funded entirely by grants and donations.
These funds directly support our efforts to increase wildfire mitigation efforts throughout Monterey County. 
Please note, we may only solicit donations from California sources, though we may accept donations from anywhere.