🚨 How to start a new Firewise neighborhood 🚨

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Join an existing neighborhood or start a new one?

Joining an Existing FireWise Community (FWC) in your neighborhood is a great way to get involved with Firewise. Whether joining an existing FWC or starting a new one, many steps are the same, but it may be easier to become part of an established FWC. Larger groups are encouraged by the approving entity (NFPA) so the approval process may be smoother. A group’s size may also influence grant funding decisions and make its community events more successful.

  • Since Firewise Communities must be contiguous homes and streets, your neighborhood must adjoin an existing FWC group in order to become a part of it.
  • Joining an existing FWC needs official Firewise approval, but it is straightforward to obtain.
  • If joining an existing FWC, your group does not create a new Firewise Application. Instead, it is added to an existing FWC’s Annual Renewal Application.
  • Find FWCs in your immediate vicinity and reach out to their leaders using our Find my neighborhood page to see if they’re receptive to expanding their group boundaries. If they agree, they will update their FWC boundary maps, Community Risk Assessment and 3 Year Action Plan accordingly.
  • The consenting FWC must be kept informed on the completion of the initial Firewise informational meeting, neighborhood walkthrough, and other requirements described in the Preparatory work and early decisions and The heavy lifting sections that follow below.

If joining an existing FWC isn’t possible, new groups can be formed with as few as 8 contiguous homes, although in denser urban areas like the East Bay Hills 12 or more homes is preferred by the NFPA reviewers.

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