Background
In 2004 in response to the clear danger presented by a build-up of volatile fire fuels across Napa County. a group of senior fire professionals and concerned community leaders formed Napa Firewise, a community-based fire awareness program designed to educate the public and encourage individuals to be proactive in preparing their property for greater fire protection.
In 2005, with a grant from the U.S. Forest Service and the Napa County Fire Department, Napa Firewise launched an aggressive identity-building program using free chipping services and defensible space inspections, plus community workshops and public relations media as the all-important links to the community. The core program continues today.
To allow more direct access to grant funding and tax incentives for supporters, Napa Firewise was incorporated in 2007 under section 501(c)(3) as the non-profit Napa Communities Firewise Foundation (NCFF).
Our Objectives
- Raise Awareness- Make people aware of their environment and the natural and man-made risks that wildland fire poses to them, their family, their property, and/or their business.
- Create Action- Provide the citizens of Napa County with specific steps they can take to protect their families, property, and/or business in the event of a wildland fire. Educate citizens on the key aspects of fire behavior and how “fire-hardened” homes and buildings can survive, through defensible space planning and proper mitigation techniques.
- Sustain Action- Encourage defensible space practices as part of an ongoing fire prevention program. Including an annual chipping program as an important community collaboration activity.
Our Philosophy: To create an atmosphere of sustained, shared responsibility helping the community help itself.