Building Resilient Communities

The Firewise USA® program is a national initiative designed to empower communities to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks. Recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Firewise USA® provides tools, resources, and support to help neighborhoods create safer environments through collective action.

Recognized Firewise Communities

Firewise Communities are recognized for their proactive approach to wildfire preparedness, ensuring that residents, local agencies, and stakeholders collaborate to reduce wildfire risks. Below is a comprehensive list of Firewise Communities in the Inland Empire, including those currently in process of achieving recognition.

  • Angelus Oaks
    A pioneer in wildfire preparedness, Angelus Oaks fosters collaboration among residents to create defensible spaces and enhance evacuation planning.

  • Carbon Canyon
    This Firewise community engages residents in fire mitigation strategies and community education to reduce risks in the wildland-urban interface.

  • Chapman Heights (Yucaipa)
    This planned community in Yucaipa works with local fire agencies to maintain defensible space and encourage wildfire preparedness among residents.

  • Dogwood Blue Jay Canyon Association
    Situated in the mountain region, this association prioritizes defensible space and emergency preparedness for its residents.

  • Eagle Glen
    This community in Corona focuses on fire-resistant building practices and vegetation management to enhance wildfire safety.

  • Enchanted/Lower Live Oak (Running Springs)
    Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, this neighborhood works closely with local partners to manage vegetation, maintain defensible space, and prepare for wildfire emergencies.

  • Four Seasons @ Hemet
    An active retirement community committed to creating defensible spaces and promoting fire safety awareness.

  • Friends of Live Oak Canyon
    Located in Yucaipa, this group collaborates with local agencies to implement fire risk reduction strategies.

  • Glen Oak Hills
    This community in Temecula incorporates fire-resistant landscaping and homeowner education to maintain its Firewise status.

  • Green River HOA (Corona)
    A Riverside County community that focuses on vegetation management, community education, and fire-safe building practices.

  • Lower ROWCO
    Located in the Running Springs area, Lower ROWCO emphasizes community education, vegetation management, and defensible space improvements.

  • Luring Pines
    A small but proactive community that works closely with local fire agencies to prepare for wildfire threats.

  • Nordic Rimwood
    Nestled in the forested landscapes of the San Bernardino Mountains. The community works diligently to maintain defensible spaces, engage in fire mitigation efforts, and collaborate with local fire agencies to ensure resident safety.

  • Pioneertown
    Known for its historic character and desert setting, Pioneertown has embraced Firewise recognition by uniting residents in wildfire preparedness. The community focuses on defensible space, evacuation planning, and vegetation management to reduce risks and protect its distinctive landscape.

  • Santa Rosa Plateau
    Situated near Murrieta, this community focuses on preserving its natural beauty while mitigating wildfire risks through collective action.

  • Smiley Park Country Club
    Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Smiley Park emphasizes defensible space and resident engagement in wildfire safety practices.

  • Spring Knolls HOA
    This homeowners association in Murrieta Valley prioritizes fire-resistant landscaping and community-wide safety drills.

  • Strawberry Flat POA
    This private association in the mountain region is dedicated to creating defensible spaces and enhancing fire safety awareness.

  • Upper ROWCO
    Located in the Running Springs area, this community focuses on fuel reduction projects and homeowner education to maintain its Firewise status.

  • Upper Town (Running Springs)
    This mountain community engages neighbors in fire prevention efforts, working alongside local fire agencies to improve safety and reduce risks.

  • Westridge at Canyon Hills (Lake Elsinore)
    A community in western Riverside County that promotes defensible space, vegetation clearance, and neighborhood wildfire awareness events.

  • Wildwood Watchers
    Based in Yucaipa, Wildwood Watchers has a three-year plan to improve wildfire resilience through education, defensible space, and community collaboration.

Firewise Communities in Process

Several communities in the Inland Empire are actively working toward Firewise USA recognition, demonstrating their commitment to wildfire preparedness:

  • Arrowbear Lake

  • Big Bear/Sugarloaf

  • Devore

  • Forest Falls

  • Green Valley Lake (GVL)

  • Lytle Creek

  • Morongo Valley

  • Rainbow Point Property Owners' Association (Lake Arrowhead)

  • Snowcreek

  • Upper Little Bear

  • Wylerhorn

These communities are engaging in risk assessments, creating action plans, and collaborating with local fire departments and stakeholders to meet Firewise USA® criteria.

Why Join Firewise USA?

Wildfires don’t just threaten individual properties—they endanger entire communities. Firewise USA® encourages neighbors to work together to identify wildfire risks and implement solutions, such as creating defensible space, managing vegetation, and improving home hardening.

Key Benefits:

  • Safety First: Reduce wildfire risks to protect homes, families, and critical infrastructure.

  • Community Strength: Build stronger connections with neighbors and local agencies.

  • Recognition: Gain national recognition as a Firewise USA® site, showcasing your community’s commitment to wildfire safety.

  • Insurance Incentives: Insurers offer discounts for properties in recognized Firewise USA communities.

Steps to Become a
Firewise USA®
Community

  1. Form a Board/Committee
    Gather a group of residents, local officials, and other stakeholders to lead your efforts.

  1. Complete a Wildfire Risk Assessment
    Work with local fire experts to identify your community’s wildfire vulnerabilities.

  2. Create an Action Plan
    Develop a roadmap with achievable goals to reduce risks and improve safety.

  3. Host Educational and Work Events
    Engage your community through outreach, hands-on projects, and fire safety activities.

  4. Submit Your Application
    Apply for recognition through the Firewise USA® program to officially become a Firewise site.

Let us show you the steps to become a Firewise Community. For help in getting started, contact info@iefsa.org. You can also visit the Firewise Communities/USA website to learn more about the program and how to begin the assessment process. Additional resources for your community are available at the Ready For Wildfire website from Cal Fire.

Resources for Firewise Communities

  • Firewise USA Program Toolkit

    Key information and participation tips to take action to reduce wildfire risks at the local level.

    Download Toolkit →

  • Educational Materials

    Download brochures, guides, and presentations to engage your community.

    Explore Materials →

  • Success Stories

    Get inspired by other Firewise communities and learn from their experiences.

    Read Success Stories →

Firewise FAQ’s

  • Firewise USA® is a national program recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that encourages communities to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks. It provides tools, resources, and guidance to help neighborhoods work together to improve safety and resilience.

  • No, Firewise USA® is not a government program. It is a voluntary program supported by the NFPA, and participation is driven by local community efforts.

  • Any community, neighborhood, or homeowner association can join Firewise USA®. Participation requires collaboration among residents and a commitment to wildfire risk reduction.

    • Reduced wildfire risks for homes and properties.

    • Access to educational resources and tools.

    • Recognition by NFPA as a Firewise community.

    • Potential eligibility for grants and funding opportunities.

    • Stronger community relationships and preparedness.

    1. Form a committee of residents and stakeholders.

    2. Conduct a wildfire risk assessment with local fire experts.

    3. Develop an action plan to address vulnerabilities.

    4. Host educational events and implement mitigation projects.

    5. Submit your application for recognition.

    For support, contact us, or visit the Firewise Communities/USA website.

  • A wildfire risk assessment identifies hazards and vulnerabilities in your community, such as vegetation, home materials, and emergency access. It’s the first step in creating an action plan for wildfire mitigation.

  • There is no cost to join the Firewise USA® program. However, communities may incur costs for mitigation projects, such as vegetation removal or home upgrades, which can often be offset by grants or funding.

  • Yes! Firewise USA® provides templates, guides, and best practices. Additional support is available through local fire safe councils and resources like the Ready For Wildfire website.

  • Some insurance providers may offer discounts for homes in recognized Firewise USA® communities. Check with your insurance company to see if they participate.

  • Firewise communities must renew their recognition annually by documenting ongoing efforts, including completed projects and educational activities.

  • Visit the Firewise Communities/USA website for comprehensive details, or explore additional resources on the Ready For Wildfire website.

Get Involved

Whether your neighborhood is urban, mountainous, or located in the desert, the Firewise USA® program provides tailored strategies to make your community fire-adapted.

Take the first step toward becoming a Firewise community and help build a safer, more resilient future for the Inland Empire.

Contact Us to Get Started →

The Firewise USA® program is co-sponsored by the
 USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters.