Firewise USA® Communities in Napa County
What Is a Firewise Community?
Firewise USA® Communities raise awareness, organize at the community level, coordinate work parties, and take action to create fire-adapted communities through the implementation of defensible space standards. The program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provides a framework for communities to organize efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfire events. Firewise communities take meaningful action to improve the safety of homes, properties, and neighborhoods in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).
How Do Communities Become “Firewise Communities”?
Achieving Firewise recognition is a structured process, guided by the NFPA and supported locally by Napa Firewise in coordination with Fire Safe Councils:
- Organize – Form a committee of residents and stakeholders by establishing a Fire Safe Council.
- Assess – Complete a community wildfire risk assessment with support from Napa Firewise.
- Plan – Develop a multi-year action plan based on the risk assessment. Napa Firewise assists in drafting a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
- Act – Host at least one wildfire risk reduction activity annually—such as readiness workshops, resource fairs, or community work days.
- Apply – Submit your application via the NFPA’s Firewise USA® portal.
Napa Firewise provides technical support, risk assessments, and expert guidance throughout the process.
Why Firewise Matters
Since 2017, more than 60% of Napa County’s landscape has burned—an urgent call for action. With many neighborhoods located in wildfire-prone WUI zones and facing difficult evacuation routes, Firewise designation empowers communities to take proactive steps in protecting what matters most.
Firewise benefits include:
- Reduced wildfire risk through neighborhood-led initiatives
- Potential insurance discounts or eligibility for continued coverage in high-risk areas
- Stronger social connections and emergency preparedness
- Improved access to grants and fuel management resources