What is Firewise USA®?

Firewise USA® is a national program hosted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Firewise USA® is a framework that helps neighbors work together in a community to reduce wildfire risk, through education and collaboration. Local Fire Safe Councils in the South Bay area promote the Firewise USA® recognition process as a way for communities in the WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) to reduce their wildlfire risk.  This includes education pieces for helping neighbors to work together on defensible space, home hardening, evacuation planning and more. 

What are the benefits?

  • Participation is voluntary.
  • Community wildfire risk can be reduced by neighbors working together.
  • Increases good will with first responders, providing safer access.
  • Increases community communication, collaboration and emergency preparedness.
  • Potential consideration by home insurance companies (USAA and Mercury).
  • Potential access to grant money.

How do FireSafe Councils help?

Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County is an all volunteer organization. We seek to support communities interested in the Firewise USA® process in these ways:

  • Provide a “Why Go Firewise” community presentation to help start the process
  • Provide email support and coaching, as time permits
  • Online resources for education
  • Potential to network with leaders from other Firewise USA® communities

To request assistance, please inquire at

Ready to take the first step?

Become a Firewise USA® Community

Get help with your renewal.

Tools for Firewise USA® Communities

Firewise USA® Recognized Communities in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz Mountains (including Bonny Doon)
  • Bird Streets (2021) - Bonny Doon
  • Bonnymede Plus (2022) - Bonny Doon
  • Bonny Wood (2021) - Bonny Doon
  • Comstock/Conifer (2023)
  • Conifer/Moline (2023)
  • Eagle Tree Lane Community (2022) - SC Mtns
  • Ellen Roads (2021)
  • Hester Creek Amaya Ridge (2022) - SC Mtns
  • Hutchinson Road (2021)
  • Las Cumbres (2019)
  • Marty Road (2020)
  • Old Ranch Road (2021)
  • Pineridge Plus (2021)
  • Riva Ridge (2019)
  • Spanish Ranch Road (2022)
  • Stetson Road (2022) - SC Mtns
  • Summit Woods (2022)
  • Sunset Ridge Road (2019)
  • Terrace Grove (2020)
  • Upper/Outer Zayante (2022)
  • Westdale Firewise (2021) - Bonny Doon
  • Wilderfield/White Rock/Bear Mountain Roads (2022) - SC Mtns
San Lorenzo Valley
  • Alba Road (2022) - Ben Lomond
  • Felton Acres (2022) - Felton
  • Forest Lakes (2021) – Felton
  • Kaila Community (2022) - Boulder Creek
  • Lost Acre-Valhalla (2021) – Felton
  • Mid-Glenwood (2023) - Scotts Valley
  • Quail Ridge Road (2022) - Scotts Valley
  • Roberts-Ridge Roads (2022) - Ben Lomond
  • TangleWood Neighborhood (2020) - Felton
Aptos and Soquel Area
  • Larsen Road Association (2022)
  • North Rodeo Gulch (2021)
  • Porter Gulch (2022)
  • Redwood Drive/Cathedral (2020)
  • Upper Fairway (2022)
  • Viewpoint Road (2021)
Santa Cruz Environs
  • B40FirewiseCharlie (2021)
  • Happy Valley (2021)
  • Highland/Hillcrest Terrace (2020)
  • Lions Field Drive (2022)
  • Ocean St Extension (2022)
  • Prospect Heights (2019)
  • Paradise Park (2019)
  • Santa Cruz Gardens (2021)
  • Western Drive (2019)

Learn more about CALFIRE's California specific guidance for Firewise USA® Communities

CALFIRE & Firewise USA® Communities
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