During a wildfire, the majority of homes that burn ignite as a result of embers or small flames. There are steps that homeowners can take to reduce the risk, with the most important efforts occurring on and immediately around the home. Making your home able to survive an approaching wildfire is the goal of the Firewise program.

National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise USA program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses. In Minnesota, Firewise is led by Department of Natural Resources. Itasca County has a robust, comprehensive Firewise program that has become a statewide model

Individual homeowners can act on their own to help assure their own home will survive a wildfire. Additionally, communities and groups of neighbors in rural areas can also work together to develop a formal Firewise Community. Firewise Communities may apply for federal and state funding to help with the costs of implementing projects that protect homes in the community.

The links on the left provide information on how to prepare your property for wildfires and how to become a Firewise Community.