Duncan Allard heads successful Firewise program

Successful berkeley fire department firewise program continues under inspector duncan allard’s leadership

The Berkeley Fire Department’s (BFD) successful Firewise program organizes communities to become more resistant to wildfires under the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) FirewiseUSA. Berkeley currently has 19 Firewise USA Sites® covering 1336 homes or dwellings. Another 3 neighborhoods, made up of 767 dwellings, are in the process of becoming Firewise under the guidance of BFD.

Duncan Allard, the new Firewise Regional Coordinator, currently leads the Intern program annually from June to November and was previously a Paramedic Firefighter before becoming an Inspector. He has been with the city for over 10 years and has supervised over 23,000 Defensible Space Inspections which help homeowners stay in compliance with local and state property laws. His vast experience in community engagement and outreach from inspections are key components that will help residents take action to protect their communities from wildfires.

As the Firewise Regional Coordinator, Allard will assist communities with the process, monitor their statuses, and liaise between the Berkeley Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) on their behalf. The Firewise program multiplies individual homeowner efforts and the responsibilities required by the fire code bringing neighbors together in a collected effort to help with home defense.

BFD has several programs that help reduce wildfire risks in the Berkeley hills. To prevent catastrophic wildfires from spreading through Berkeley, firefighters continue to coordinate prevention measures like FirewiseUSA directly with residents. Fire Chief David Sprague said, “Our goal is for firefighters and residents to work together to transition Berkeley into a FireSafe community.” 

Residents can take the first step.

Contact Berkeley Fire’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Division