The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA® program teaches communities how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent losses.

The California Department of Insurance has issued rules that require insurers to offer discounts to property owners for reducing wildfire risk. If you reside in a WUI community and are Firewise USA® recognized then you may be eligible for a discount through your insurance company. For a list of insurers currently offering discounts, click here.

SCCFSC offers workshops and guidance for neighborhoods and communities that want to become Firewise USA® recognized.

Firewise USA® Community: Chemeketa Park

Upcoming Classes and Meetings

 

  • July 14, 2026 4:30 – 5:30
    • Educational Presentation: Sharon Smith from the California Department of Insurance;
      • Join Sharon Smith from the California Department of Insurance for an informative presentation on California’s homeowner insurance landscape. Topics will include the current insurance crisis, resources available through the California Department of Insurance, and key market and legislative updates affecting homeowners.
      • Virtual Presentation register here
  • August 11, 2026 4:30 PM
    • Educational Presentation: Zaid Ortiz, Project Manager
      • Join us for an informative session to learn about the importance of the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and how it helps guide wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and resilience across our communities. Whether you’re a resident, community leader, or simply interested in wildfire safety, this class is a great opportunity to learn how you can play a role in building a more fire-adapted Santa Clara County.
      • Virtual Presentation register here

Monthly Office Hour

Interested in becoming a Firewise USA® community? Working through the application process and have questions? Already a recognized community but need support? We’re here to help.

Join us for monthly virtual Firewise Office Hours held on the first Friday of each month from 12:00–1:00 p.m. This informal drop-in session is a chance to ask questions, get guidance, and connect with others working to build wildfire resilience in their neighborhoods.

August 7th 12-1pm Join here

Resources

The 6 Steps for Becoming Recognized as a Firewise USA® Community

  1. Form a board/committee comprised of residents and other wildfire stakeholders (Minimum of 8 houses to start)
  2. Create a Firewise USA® Portal account and submit an application to your state Firewise USA liaison
  3. Obtain a wildfire risk assessment from the Fire Department
  4. Host a minimum of one wildfire risk reduction educational outreach event, or related activity
  5. Develop a multi-year action plan based on the site’s risk reduction priorities
  6. Meet the minimum wildfire risk reduction investment

SCCFSC is here to help!

We are your local partner to Firewise USA® recognition.

  • SCCFSC coaches your committee and organizers through the Firewise USA® steps and application
  • SCCFSC networks with fire agency partners to obtain your community risk assessment
  • SCCFSC offers workshop and presentation options to meet the Firewise USA® education outreach requirements
  • SCCFSC provides hazardous fuel reduction resources for your neighborhood’s multi-year plan

Firewise USA® provides guidelines for neighbors to work together to achieve greater wildfire safety. SCCFSC works with your neighborhood to achieve Firewise USA® recognition.

Local Firewise USA® recognized communities

Los Altos

  • Neighbors Taking Action

Los Altos Hills

  • Corita Vineyards
  • Dawson LAH015
  • Fremont Hills
  • Foothill Orchard
  • Hidden Villa
  • LAH Zone 33
  • Loma Wood
  • Natoma
  • Saddle Mountain

Los Gatos

  • Aldercroft Heights
  • Brush Road (Lexington Road)
  • Central Summit Watershed
  • Chemeketa Park
  • Civic Center Hillside Neighborhood
  • Deer Park Road
  • Lake Canyon
  • Melody Woods
  • Redwood Estates
  • Teresita Way
  • Upper Black Road Community
  • Upper Overlook Road Neighborhood

Morgan Hill

  • Holiday Lake Estates
  • Jackson Oaks HOA
  • Sveadal Uvas Canyon

Portola Valley (SCC District)

  • Old Alpine

Saratoga

  • Garrod Heights
  • Old Oak Way
  • Saratoga Heights HOA

San Jose

  • Miradero Ave-Crothers Rd Fire Safe Community (Alum Rock area)
  • Rancho San Vincente
  • The Villages Golf and Country Club