WHAT

Resident Mitigation

Resident mitigation is about empowering the people who live in your community to reduce the impacts of wildland fire. Resident mitigation includes those actions which you can take around the home (as well as other structures) and in neighborhoods to create conditions that resist ignition or lead to low-intensity fire. Any person (full-time or part-time resident, renter or owner, single-family or multi-family residence, rural or urban area) can take action. There are many examples of programs to help community members take action, including Firewise USA® recognition programs,  community cost-share chipping programs, home assessment programs and more. Check out some of the resources and ideas below.

Considerations

1
Science about the vulnerability of homes to wildfire is readily available. Ensure you are up to date on the best available science, materials and resources, such as the research from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
2
Many resources and programs are tailored to single-family home owners. Remember, when working on your own mitigation and risk reduction programs, to include information for long-term renters, homeowners who rent out their homes through short-term rentals, mobile or manufactured homes, suburban communities, and multi-family properties.
3
The costs of reducing the risk to homes, apartment, or other structures will vary, as will the impact of those actions. Consider setting up programs to help offset the cost of the work for your community, especially for those who have financial need.

EXPLORE Resident Mitigation RESOURCES

  • WHO

  • WHERE

  • FORMAT

FAC Framework Graphic
Explore the rest of the FAC resource categories.
Found 30 Results

Demystifying Insurance for Wildfires Resource Guide

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Washington State Fire Adapted Communities Learning Group and Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
The Demystifying Insurance for Wildfires Resource Guide is a three-page handout and related webinar which helps Washington residents understand the business of insurance and provides tips and resources to help navigate the system.  While focused on Washington State, many of the tools and resources shared are broadly applicable. Read More

Demonstration Gardens and Projects

Website / Interactive Map
Idaho Firewise
This webpage describes demonstration gardens and provides several examples of demonstration gardens in Idaho. This resource may help communities who are considering demonstration gardens imagine what is possible as well as provides links to several sites. Read More

Defensible Space Cost Share Program Example

Website / Interactive Map
Wildfire Adapted Partnership
This website provides an example of one non-profit’s program designed to reduce costs for qualifying homeowners in their service area. Read More

Cómo Preparar Su Casa Para Incendios Forestales

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
National Fire Protection Association
Pasos para la reducción del riesgo ante incendios forestales para que su casa esté más segura durante un incendio. Read More

Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices Toolbox

Website / Interactive Map
Coalitions & Collaboratives
A selection of resources and tools from the Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices Toolbox focused on mitigation. Read More

Chipping Program Best Practices

Video
International Association of Fire Chiefs
This webinar from the International Association of Fire Chiefs features Jeremy Taylor and covers tips, resources, and best practices for chipping programs. Read More

California CWPP Toolkit

Website / Interactive Map
CAL FIRE—Office of the State Fire Marshal Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division, Community Wildfire Planning Center, Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, and California Fire Safe Council
The California CWPP Toolkit provides important guidance and resources for communities to develop and implement CWPPs across the state Read More

Before Wildfire Strikes: A guide to improving wildfire preparedness and living with fire in Hood River County

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Oregon State University Extension
This resource includes practical tips and guidance about home hardening and creating defensible space, planning for wildfire on woodland properties by implementing management practices like thinning and fuel breaks, creating an emergency preparedness plans for families, and preparing for wildfire smoke by monitoring air quality and improving indoor air. It also explores how wildfires have... Read More

Austin Fire Department Home Ignition Zone Training

Video
Austin Fire Department
This video resources shares ways to prevent, prepare for, and defend against wildfires in the Home Ignition Zone in the Austin area. The Austin Fire Department Wildfire division demonstrates a home assessment in this educational video. Closed Captioning available in Spanish. Read More

After the Flames Quick Guide: Immediate actions during a wildfire

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Coalitions and Collaboratives
Actions and resources for immediately during a wildfire, safety after a wildfire, mental health, and immediate “just in time” mitigation actions. Read More
Page 3 of 3
Photo Credit: Canva Creative Commons
Community Profile
Fire Adaptation in the Field
Deschutes County, Oregon

Collaboration is the way business is done in Deschutes County, Oregon where Project Wildfire and Deschutes County convene partners to create Community Wildfire Protection Plans, foster evacuation preparedness, and facilitate resident mitigation. The FireFree program is a year-round educational program which focuses on ten steps residents can take to reduce fuel and ignition potential near their homes. Community-wide brush disposal opportunities provide area residents with free and convenient access to debris disposal– making mitigation easier for those they serve.