What is Firewise

The National Fire Prevention Association program “Firewise USA®” brings neighbors together and provides education and services to make homes more wildland fire resistant while protecting scenic beauty and wildlife. For more than a decade, Nevada County has seen a strong collaborative effort among all local Fire Districts, CalFire, Law Enforcement, County Agencies and the Fire Safe Council who have focused attention on rapid response and resident awareness.

Firewise USA® promotes neighbors to act together to influence fire behavior on the landscapes in their area, and improve communication between agencies and individuals. Together, these communities build larger zones that are resistant and resilient to wildfire. As of 2021. there are 56 Firewise USA® communities in Nevada County with another 20-pending review by CalFire and NFPA, and another 20 on the waitlist. 

How To Firewise

  1. Firewise coordinator defines a region that is logical, defensible, and has a manageable community size.
  2. The Firewise community is presented to the community with the goal to get at least 10% participation, and increase that over time. 
  3. Apply for Firewise certification.
  4. Once approved, maintain certification each October by turning in your work log, which is really what you already do to prepare for fire season each year.
  5. The Orchard Springs Firewise Community became certified in September of 2022. 
  6. After the Risk Assessment is done, the community participants will meet to create an Action Plan of shared goals.
  7. The community will have an annual meeting for community education and/or a work project, and turn in work logs each October.

October 31, 2025 – Turn in your volunteer work logs.

  1. Print the volunteer work-log, fill it out, take a photo, and text to a community leader.
  2. Or send by US Postal Service to Orchard Springs Firewise Community, PO Box 384, Chicago Park, CA 95712
  3. Or fill out online, attach to an email, and send to OrchardSpringsFWC@gmail.com.

Links to Fire Resources

New Members

This section is a guide for new members to get started with our firewise community.

Current Members

This section is a guide for what current members of our firewise community do each year.

Upcoming

This section is for our plans, projects, schedule, and upcoming activities.