GFC helps communities prepare for wildfire potential by creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). We work with officials and citizens to identify risks that might slow an emergency response if there is a danger from wildfires.
A CWPP provides a community with a road map to reduce wildfire risks.
The plan identifies strategic sites and methods for risk reduction and structural protection projects across jurisdictional boundaries. Individual assessments are conducted, and plans typically include:
- comprehensive road map
- roadway widths (important for emergency vehicles and evacuations)
- evacuation plans and strategies
- identifying available water sources
- listing of local officials and their responsibilities
CWPPs are designed through collaboration with all local stakeholders.
Planning enables communities to address their development patterns in the wildland urban interface (WUI) and determine how they can reduce their risk through alternative development patterns. It is achieved with input from local parties such as:
- state and local fire agencies
- homeowners and landowners
- city councils
- utilities
- homeowners associations
- environmental organizations
A completed CWPP is circulated to the community and posted on their public website so citizens can understand their local risk and prepare accordingly. CWPP plans are updated approximately every five years in conjunction with the county Hazard Mitigation Plan. To find out if your community has a CWPP or to get one initiated, contact your local GFC office.
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