I want you all to become familiar with Firewise Communities. This is a national program that could be the key to protecting nearby homes and businesses from the next catastrophic fire.
FIREWISE is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. Through training and local fire prevention projects, FIREWISE aims to encourage property owners to take proactive measures to prevent fires from destroying their homes and Pacific Region businesses.
Helping community members join together to be more proactive in wildfire preparation is what the FIREWISE COMMUNITIES program is all about. The program provides you with benefits, such as learning how to prepare a “defensible space” around your home and driveway. In these defendable areas, firefighters can more safely and effectively protect your home and property from wildfires.
The FIREWISE COMMUNITIES program provides fire professionals who are there to assist residents in creating an action plan designed to help them reduce wildfire risks around their homes and neighborhoods. The program provides you with tips on the right vegetation to use, where to plant it, and how to manage all the vegetation around your home to help you create a more fire-safe environment.
Today, there are more than 1,300 recognized FIREWISE COMMUNITIES nationwide. Learn about the simple steps to become a FIREWISE COMMUNITY and the resources available to help you prevent wildfire losses around your community. Neighbors working with neighbors and taking ownership in reducing wildfire risks has proven to be the most effective tool in helping communities survive a wildfire.
I would like Pacific Region states to familiarize themselves with the FIREWISE COMMUNITIES program in their neighborhoods and report back at Conventions and through articles in the WACONIAH about what they have learned.
Arizona’s contact is:
Aaron Casem, Prevention & Mitigation Officer
Dept of Forestry & Fire Mgt
1110 W Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: +1 602 771-1403
acasem@dffm.az.gov
By Tanja Swanson, 2025-27 Pacific Region Director
Photo 1 Peggy Ahola
Best wishes to our new Pacific Region Director, Tanja Swanson.
Photo 2 Firewise
The Firewise Community logo reminds people to keep their landscaping trimmed and placed the correct distance from their home in case of wildfires.
Photo 3 Firewise
Six steps to become a Firewise Community site.
