Firewise USA Site Activation Program for Yuba Foothill Communities

How it works

Yuba Watershed Protection & Fire Safe Council helps local neighborhoods in Yuba foothill communities work through the process of becoming a recognized Firewise USA Site. The goal is to build community wildfire resilience by helping neighbors harden their homes, create defensible space, and develop fire-resistant neighborhoods.

The page says the council and a Firewise USA representative will help as needed during the process. It also notes that there are more than 1,500 certified Firewise USA Sites nationwide.

What the service covers

This is a community program, not a homeowner payment. The page describes training, coordination, site recognition, and planning support. It includes assistance with:

• training volunteer Wildfire Mitigation Advisors
• a Wildfire Mitigation Review visit
• forming a Neighborhood Committee
• identifying site boundaries
• creating a GIS-generated Site Map
• preparing a Community Hazard & Risk Assessment
• developing a 3-5 year Action Plan
• registering the site with NFPA

Amounts and matching

No dollar amount is stated. The page does not describe reimbursement, matching funds, or a cash benefit.

How to apply

To get started, contact the YWPFSC Firewise Coordinator:

• Sandie Marotti-Huckins
• programs@yubafiresafe.org
• 530-645-2236

Timing and deadlines

The page does not give an application deadline. It does say the action plan is a living document and should be updated at least every three years. Site residents should work on the action plan goals and meet at least once per year.

Site rules and process details

A Firewise USA "Site" can be as few as 8 residences and no more than 2,500. A site can be a street, subdivision, homeowner association, or other geographical area chosen by residents. Specific steps listed on the page are: residents request a Wildfire Mitigation Review; neighbors form a Neighborhood Committee; the committee and YWPFSC define boundaries and create a site map; the community prepares the hazard/risk assessment and action plan; residents work on the goals; YWPFSC registers the site with NFPA; and NFPA certifies the site.