What is Firewise?

By: Michael Murray, Chair of the Open Space Committee and former volunteer firefighter

Firewise USA® is a program created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2002 to encourage homeowners and communities to adapt to living with wildfire and take proactive steps to reduce the risk of property loss from wildfires. The program provides a framework for organizing neighbors, assessing wildfire risks, and implementing strategies to make homes and communities more resistant to wildfire.
 
How Does Firewise USA® Work?
Firewise USA® works at the individual property owner’s level and at the community level. Homeowners can use the Firewise USA Program Toolkit to create defensible space around their homes, such as clearing roofs, gutters, decks, and other areas of flammable materials. Communities can become a Firewise USA® Sites by forming a committee, establishing boundaries, completing a community wildfire risk assessment, and creating a three-year action plan that prioritizes risk reduction efforts. These actions are updated and reported annually to maintain recognition.
 
Does Idaho have Firewise USA® Communities?
Idaho has 34 recognized Firewise USA® communities https://idahofirewise.org/firewise-communities/    
 
How to Become a Firewise USA® Community
Create a committee to represent your community and partner with your local fire department. Next take the steps outline by the NFPA that include a wildfire risk assessment, action plan, and completing an application: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa/become-a-firewise-usa-site

Benefits of Becoming a Firewise® USA Community

• Wildfire Preparedness – implement safety measures such as evacuation plans.
• Property Protection – creating defensible space around homes and reducing risk of property damage.
• Insurance benefits – some insurance companies offer discounts.
• Community resilience – Residents become better equipped to withstand and recover from wildfires.

 
For more information: https://www.nfpa.org/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Firewise-USA