Sponsored by National Fire Protection Association Wildfires are a fact of life here in California. It’s not a question of if they’re going to happen, but when a fire might strike. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive in minimizing your risk. Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director at the National Fire Protection Association, joins our Laura Cavanaugh to share steps you can take to prepare your home to protect your family and your neighborhood. Make your home and neighborhood safer from wildfire: Become a FIREWISE USA® community today! Years of research show that homes often ignite when met with airborne embers, small flames, and radiant heat from a wildfire. And when one home catches fire, flames often spread to neighboring homes as well. Fortunately, there are many steps communities can take to improve their resilience to wildfire. The Firewise USA® recognition program of the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) – co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters – recognizes residential communities that agree to take action with their neighbors to better protect their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. As a voluntary program, Firewise teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire, encouraging and empowering them and their neighbors to work together. Simple steps like clearing debris from rooftops and gutters and raking pine needles and dried vegetation from around the perimeter of the home, can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire ignition. Cleaning out the first five feet around your home is critical. Currently, there are more than 2,250 active Firewise communities in the U.S. In fact, California has more Firewise communities than any other state, recently welcoming its 700th Firewise community in September 2023. This milestone reflects California residents’ understanding of the serious risks that wildfire presents to their communities. The more communities that participate in the Firewise program, the safer everyone becomes. Become a Firewise community today! Learn more at firewise.org