What is Burma Firewise Community?

The Burma Rd. Firewise Community has recently been formed, and we are inviting your participation. We hope to increase communication among neighbors and our Fire Department, promote fire safety education, and organize risk reduction projects. All of this is ahead, but for now we are just introducing the concept of a Firewise Community to our neighborhood. If we can have your contact information, it will make communication much easier.

A Firewise Community is a neighborhood which has created a collaborative framework designed to help neighbors reduce the risk of wildfire. Firewise Communities are certified through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA is a national, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to, among other goals, eliminating property and economic loss due to fire. The NFPA’s Firewise USA® program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent losses.

The Firewise Community program provides annual, measurable goals; which are designed to empower and engage residents living in wildfire prone areas. This plan and action can increase a home’s chances of surviving a wildfire, while also making it safer for firefighters.

The Firewise USA® Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire. The program provides resources to help homeowners learn how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together to take action now to prevent losses.

Why go to the effort of organizing committees and creating worklists to become a Firewise Community?

• It creates a framework for action

• Learn about wildfire and how to reduce risk Increase fire safety in your neighborhood

• Community Building – generate local pride

• Access to funding and assistance

• Insurance Discounts*

• Peace of mind

* Discounts: USAA and The California Fair Plan offer discounts to homeowners in a Firewise Community. If you or a parent are active military or have separated from military service with a Honorable Discharge; you may be eligible for USAA membership.

The Coalition of Firewise Communities

In Nevada County, the 25 Firewise Communities have organized as a coalition to promote safe practices in a dangerous wildfire environment. As part of a well-respected national movement, the Firewise Communities are trained and supported by the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County. The Coalition promotes fire safety through advocacy, education, and community involvement with other stakeholders interested in working toward stronger fire safety practices.

It is through the Coalition that Firewise Communities and those communities who are working toward that recognition share information, receive valuable training and information, and advocate for a safer environment. Monthly meetings provide the avenue through which this information is shared or developed.