The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recently published a detailed guide titled “Creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.”
The guide explains the history of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), key components for crafting these plans, and actionable steps for community implementation.
As outlined by USFA, CWPPs were introduced under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003. This legislation aimed to reduce wildfire risks and promote healthier ecosystems. It allowed communities flexibility to tailor plans to their unique risks and circumstances.
CWPPs are a critical tool for wildfire risk reduction and community safety.
The U.S. Forest Service highlights that less than 10% of at-risk communities have developed CWPPs. Having a plan in place can prioritize wildfire mitigation projects and even enhance a community’s eligibility for certain grants.
USFA notes that CWPPs help communities prioritize projects, protect homes and residents, and support first responders. Collaboration among stakeholders is emphasized as essential to effective planning and implementation.
USFA’s guide lists several elements for creating effective CWPPs, including risk assessment, collaboration, and actionable goals.
Communities are encouraged to work with local foresters, emergency managers, and other stakeholders to assess risks. This includes analyzing infrastructure vulnerabilities, fire history, and vegetation conditions.
Plans should include steps to create defensible spaces by managing vegetation, improving infrastructure resilience, and reducing ignition risks around homes.
The USFA guide provides a roadmap for communities to develop a CWPP tailored to local risks and resources.
Steps include identifying stakeholders, hosting planning meetings, and prioritizing risks. Communities are urged to create both short-term and long-range goals, incorporate public input, and revisit plans periodically to adapt to changing conditions.
USFA emphasizes that many mitigation projects, such as clearing vegetation around homes, can be simple and cost-effective but significantly improve safety.
The U.S. Fire Administration has released a comprehensive guide for communities seeking to develop Community Wildfire Protection Plans.
Introduced under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003, CWPPs are flexible tools that allow communities to assess wildfire risks, prioritize mitigation projects, and improve preparedness.
Key components include stakeholder collaboration, risk assessment, and actionable plans to reduce vulnerabilities. USFA encourages communities to revisit their plans every five years to reflect changes in risk or completed projects.
For more details and resources, refer to the USFA’s “Creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan” guide.
