Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Defensible space saves homes and lives — but not everyone can do this work alone. That’s where we come in. Every year, Napa Firewise staff put down their pens and pick up their pruning saws, and show up at neighbors’ doors ready to work. No cost, no red tape — just sweat equity in service of a more fire-resilient Napa County.
Spring 2026 Submission Window
We’re selecting 1–2 homes for our May 2026 project — and we’ll follow up with every applicant after the window closes. If you know a neighbor who could use a hand, or you’d like to apply for your own home, now is the time.
This program currently does not have regular cadence. We take on projects when our capacity allows, and this is our window for 2026. This program is not a substitute for ongoing defensible space maintenance — it’s a boost for people who need one and genuinely want to improve their fire safety but face real barriers doing it alone.
About the Program
Neighbors Helping Neighbors is one of the ways Napa Firewise staff give back directly to the communities we serve. This isn’t a referral list or a grant program — our team physically shows up and does the work to improve the safety of a neighborhood.
We focus on home’s defensible space: clearing vegetation, removing ladder fuels, and making practical improvements around homes (up to 100 ft from structure) that could otherwise be overlooked. The work we do together makes a real difference in how a home survives a wildfire.
We were grateful to complete our first project in late 2025 in Angwin. In 2026, we’re hoping to reach 1-2 more homes across Napa County.
For Neighbors Who Need a Hand
I need help with my own home
You want to get your defensible space in order but can’t do it alone right now. Apply directly — we’ll follow up to learn more and see if this is a good fit.
I know someone who needs help
You have a neighbor who could benefit but may not know this program exists. Refer them — we’ll review and work with you to make a warm introduction if they are selected.
I want to volunteer for this effort
We’re building toward community work days in partnership with Fire Safe Councils across Napa County, and we’d love to know who’s interested in showing up. Email us to express interest →
Program Interest Form
The Napa Communities Firewise Foundation wants to work directly with Napa County residents to improve defensible space for those who need extra support. Homeowners may submit interest for their own property, and community members are encouraged to refer a neighbor they believe could benefit — with or without that neighbor’s prior knowledge. We want to be transparent about our current capacity: we can only take on very few projects at this time. Each submission, however, contributes to something larger — helping us understand where need is greatest and laying the groundwork for expanded community work days and neighbor-to-neighbor partnerships across Napa County.
Not every submission can be selected, and we recognize that waiting is not an option when it comes to fire safety. If your home is not chosen for this season’s project, we will do our best to connect you with resources, local programs, and contacts that can help you move forward. Defensible space is too important to leave undone.