October 12, 2022
Northbay Biz Magazine- Christina Julian
As I sit down to write this month’s column, we’re bracing for triple digit temps in Calistoga. With extreme heat, the threat of wildfires escalates with every degree the thermometer pumps up, right along with my anxiety. When I first moved here more than a decade ago, it was harvest, and not wildfires that dominated conversions this time of year. Now we can’t talk about one, without the other. However, there are organizations whose very missions are to combat such concerns through programs with fire safety and preparedness in mind.
The nonprofit organization, Napa Communities Firewise Foundation (NCFF), also known as Napa Firewise, has worked with communities to build Fire Safe Councils (FSC) throughout Napa County, in areas that are considered to be within high or very high fire hazard zones. Each FSC is a resident-run, grassroots operation comprised of community members who have banded together to protect the areas they call home, through outreach and fundraising to assist with wildfire fuel reduction in areas of need. Currently, there are 18 all-volunteer councils in the county, with more on the way. Each group holds regular meetings to engage the community and give people knowledge and tools to assist with preparedness. The councils also hold fire awareness events throughout the year and perform risk assessments to identify and target areas in the region that need fuel reduction.