Lead the way. Live Firewise.
How to Become a Firewise USA® Community
From door to street to forest, preparedness becomes shared responsibility.
Firewise USA®, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and supported in California through CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire initiative, provides a clear, nationally recognized process for communities to reduce wildfire risk.
Becoming a recognized Firewise USA® site follows five required steps
Create a small group of residents and stakeholders who will lead the effort.
Work with local fire agencies to conduct a wildfire risk assessment.
This assessment identifies shared hazards and becomes the foundation for your community’s mitigation priorities.
- Utilize resources like California’s State Liaison contacts and the Firewise USA template to learn more about requirements and how to get started.
- Engage in online training, like this Community Wildfire Risk Assessment Tutorial for comprehensive understanding and action planning.
Using the risk assessment, create a plan that outlines:
- Risk reduction projects
- Community outreach and education
- Measurable goals
The plan must be updated at least every three years.
Each year, your community must document mitigation efforts equivalent to at least one volunteer hour per dwelling unit.
This can include:
- Defensible space work
- Clean-up events
- Education workshops
- Outreach and coordination
Community Risk Assessment Template3 Year Action Plan Template
For more information contact amber@plumasfiresafe.org
Plumas County Firewise Communities

| Year | Locations / Districts |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Graeagle Fire Protection District, GraeagleWest Almanor Community Club, Lake Almanor |
| 2012 | Gold Mountain, Clio |
| 2013 | Lake Almanor Country Club, Lake Almanor |
| 2014 | Greenhorn Creek, Quincy (Inactive) |
| 2015 | Grizzly Ranch Association, PortolaMohawk Vista, Blairsden |
| 2016 | Plumas Eureka Community Services District, Blairsden |
| 2017 | Sloat, Cromberg & Camp Layman |
| 2018 | Galeppi Ranch, QuincyLake Almanor PinesCity of PortolaChesterSmith Creek Ranch, Graeagle |
| 2019 | Johnsville (Inactive)Old Highway Road, QuincyRiver Valley, BeckwourthFeather River College, QuincyHamilton Branch & East Shore, Lake AlmanorSenecaMeadow Valley |
| 2020 | Taylorsville |
| 2021 | Lake Almanor Peninsula (including Lake Almanor Pines)Nelson Point, La Porte Rd.Quincy |
| 2022 | Genesee WoodsLower Grizzly Road |
| 2023 | Red Clover CreekGreenhavenRed Clover Creek (duplicate)Mohawk MeadowsSierra EstatesValley Ranch |
| 2024 | Williams Peck (Pending) |

