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Lead the way. Live Firewise.

How to Become a Firewise USA® Community

From door to street to forest, preparedness becomes shared responsibility.

Firewise USA®, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and supported in California through CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire initiative, provides a clear, nationally recognized process for communities to reduce wildfire risk.

Becoming a recognized Firewise USA® site follows five required steps

1. Form a Board or Committee 

Create a small group of residents and stakeholders who will lead the effort.

2. Develop a Wildfire Risk Assessment 

Work with local fire agencies to conduct a wildfire risk assessment.

This assessment identifies shared hazards and becomes the foundation for your community’s mitigation priorities.

3. Develop a 3-Year Action Plan 

Using the risk assessment, create a plan that outlines:

  • Risk reduction projects
  • Community outreach and education
  • Measurable goals

The plan must be updated at least every three years.

4. Complete an Annual Investment in Risk Reduction 

Each year, your community must document mitigation efforts equivalent to at least one volunteer hour per dwelling unit.

This can include:

  • Defensible space work
  • Clean-up events
  • Education workshops
  • Outreach and coordination

 

Community Risk Assessment Template3 Year Action Plan Template

For more information contact amber@plumasfiresafe.org

Plumas County Firewise Communities

The image is a map of Firewise communities in Plumas County for 2026, highlighting areas focused on reducing wildfire risks.
Year Locations / Districts
2010 Graeagle Fire Protection District, GraeagleWest Almanor Community Club, Lake Almanor
2012 Gold Mountain, Clio
2013 Lake Almanor Country Club, Lake Almanor
2014 Greenhorn Creek, Quincy (Inactive)
2015 Grizzly Ranch Association, PortolaMohawk Vista, Blairsden
2016 Plumas Eureka Community Services District, Blairsden
2017 Sloat, Cromberg & Camp Layman
2018 Galeppi Ranch, QuincyLake Almanor PinesCity of PortolaChesterSmith Creek Ranch, Graeagle
2019 Johnsville (Inactive)Old Highway Road, QuincyRiver Valley, BeckwourthFeather River College, QuincyHamilton Branch & East Shore, Lake AlmanorSenecaMeadow Valley
2020 Taylorsville
2021 Lake Almanor Peninsula (including Lake Almanor Pines)Nelson Point, La Porte Rd.Quincy
2022 Genesee WoodsLower Grizzly Road
2023 Red Clover CreekGreenhavenRed Clover Creek (duplicate)Mohawk MeadowsSierra EstatesValley Ranch
2024 Williams Peck (Pending)

 

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