FireWise Support
Panoramic Hills Mitigation Area • Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area • Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone • High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has developed the FireWise program to help communities reduce wildfire risk through effective vegetation management and home hardening practices.
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 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 NFPA on their behalf. The Firewise program multiplies individual homeowner efforts and the responsibilities required by the fire code, bringing neighbors together in a collective effort to help with home defense.
