Fire-smart landscaping
Fire-resistant landscaping involves much more than basic yard maintenance. It combines plant selection and upkeep to help stop fire from reaching your home. With smart planning and regular care, you can create a beautiful, water-efficient, and fire-resistant landscape.

May 5, 2024 - Sacramento – Now is the time to prepare for wildfire! Wildfire Preparedness Week 2024 is May 5 - 11, 2024. CAL FIRE, alongside our partner agencies, are hosting four statewide events throughout the week to raise awareness on what individuals and communities can do to help protect against the threat of wildfires. By preparing well in advance of a wildfire and taking steps now to reduce wildfire risks, you can dramatically increase your safety, the safety of your community, and the survivability of your home.

This years’ theme is “Meeting the Mission Through Partnerships” and will focus on how state, federal and local public safety organizations are preparing for the 2024 fire year, the importance of fuel reduction and vegetation management projects, and ways the public can prepare for wildfire now through home hardening and defensible space.

"In light of the ongoing challenges and unpredictability posed by climate change, it is important that all Californians remain vigilant and adequately prepared for the forthcoming fire year, no matter where in the state you live," said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. "Each resident plays a crucial role in safeguarding themselves, their loved ones, and their communities from the threat of wildfires. I encourage everyone to find the partnerships and collaborative efforts happening in your community and take steps now to prepare for wildfire."

Through grants to regionally based partners and collaborators, CAL FIRE is significantly increasing forest management activities including hazardous fuels reduction, the conservation and restoration of forests, and the treatment of degraded wildlands to mitigate the impact of future wildfires across the state.

Firefighting alone is not enough to keep us safe. Californians play a crucial role in both preventing wildfires and preparing for peak fire season. In addition to landscape-level partnerships, CAL FIRE’s community partners, including Firesafe Councils and Firewise Communities are taking the important steps necessary prepare their communities for the threat of wildfire. Many communities rely on proactive planning and prevention measures like creating community wildfire protection plans, building protective fuel breaks, creating defensible space around homes, and hardening homes to better withstand fires. By using these tools together, we can create communities that are prepared when wildfire strikes.

"Wildfire Preparedness Week underscores the critical need for communities and residents to come together and proactively prepare for the impending wildfire season. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, we can take decisive steps to mitigate the looming risks," said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. "Safeguarding your home from wildfires requires proactive measures. By fortifying your residence through home hardening and defensible space, you significantly enhance its resilience." 

In addition to ensuring proper defensible space around homes and buildings, have a communication plan for emergencies and a ‘go bag’ ready in case of evacuation.

Californians can learn about all aspects of wildfire safety and preparedness, including how to obtain local alerts, checklists for preparedness, evacuation planning, and more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
Source: CAL FIRE