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What’s So Special
COARSEGOLD RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT UTILIZES FIREWISE PROGRAM TO MITIGATE WILDFIRE DANGER
CSDA member district Coarsegold Resource Conservation District utilized Title III funding from Madera County and Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council to establish a Firewise® program in their area. The available funding is for rural and foothill communities located within Eastern Madera County. The Madera Firewise® Program provides guidance and a framework for neighbors to work together to become wildfire ready.
The available funding is being utilized to empower communities to protect their homes by becoming nationally recognized as a Firewise USA® site through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firewise USA® process.
The program begins in stages: First, neighbors form a committee and must bring a minimum of 8 residences onboard. Next, they identify hazards in the community utilizing the NFPA Wildfire Risk Assessment tools. Once the risks are determined, the community develops an action plan to mitigate the hazards. Work crews are then put together through community resources and volunteerism to perform the work necessary for the action plan.
Communities taking part in the Madera Firewise® Program gain access to implementation resources to help them address the hazards outlined in their community action plans. This spring, through a partnership with United Way Fresno and Madera County, AmeriCorps crew assistance was directed to communities in the program. The Americorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Blue 7 Team helped elderly community members create defensible space around their properties by clearing debris, and assisted homeowners with their individual risk assessments.
Becoming a Firewise® site also offers access to educational and training resources, provides application opportunities for home insurance discounts, fosters community partnerships, and helps make homes wildfire ready. These benefits were discussed during the program’s virtual Zoom kickoff meeting held in March, which featured CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Shaun Fairbanks, Madera County Supervisor Tom Wheeler, a Resident Leader of a current Firewise® neighborhood in the North Fork area, and a presentation on the Listos (Ready!) California’s “5 steps to emergency preparedness”.
A Firewise® Community is a Wildfire Ready Community, so don’t delay! To get more information about how to create a Firewise® site in your area, visit firewise.org.
1. Sign up for County alerts at CalAlerts.org 2. Prepare your People: Make a list of everyone you need to contact in an emergency in case you are separated; plan escape routes 3. Make a “Go” bag: Make a list of important items and ensure they are easy to find, such as prescriptions, phone chargers, pet necessities, portable devices and chargers 4. Make a “Stay” box: If you need to shelter in place, set aside nonperishable food and water and extra prescription medications 5. Help Friends and Neighbors around you who may need assistance
