The Safe Community Project has been awarded a second grant by the California Fire Safe Council, using funds provided by CalFire. This grant will enable our Riverside Division to concentrate on mitigating and preventing wildfires throughout Riverside County. This initiative is in addition to the ongoing efforts of our MySafe:LA Division to reduce the risk of wildfires in Los Angeles County.

To prepare communities in Riverside County against the threat of wildfire, there are several MySafe:Riverside is engaging in multiple strategies to coordinate efforts within the greater Riverside region. These strategies involve cooperation among local governments, fire departments, community organizations, and residents. Here are some key approaches:

1. Community Awareness and Education
   • Wildfire Awareness Campaigns: Running educational campaigns to inform residents about wildfire risks and prevention methods.
   • Workshops and Training: Providing community workshops on creating defensible spaces around properties, safe evacuation procedures, and how to use firefighting tools like fire extinguishers and hoses.
2. Land and Vegetation Management
   • Fuel Reduction: Implementing controlled burns and clearing dead or dying vegetation that can fuel wildfires.
   • Landscaping Regulations: Encouraging or mandating fire-resistant landscaping practices in high-risk areas.
3. Building and Infrastructure Modifications
   • Fire-Resistant Building Codes: Enforcing building codes that require fire-resistant materials for roofs, siding, and decking.
   • Infrastructure Improvements: Enhancing the water supply network for firefighting and improving road layouts for better evacuation and emergency access.
4. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans
   • Evacuation Plans: Developing clear, well-practiced evacuation plans that include multiple exit routes and designated safe areas.
   • Emergency Communication Systems: Establishing robust communication systems to alert residents of fire threats and evacuation orders promptly.
5. Community Collaboration and Partnerships
   • Neighborhood Fire Plans: Encouraging neighborhoods to develop specific fire response plans and to form community response teams.
   • Partnerships with Fire Agencies: Collaborating with local fire departments and forestry services to align community efforts with professional fire management strategies.
6. Technological Solutions
   • Fire Detection Systems: Implementing advanced fire detection systems that can alert fire services and residents to wildfires in real-time.
   • GIS and Mapping Tools: Utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor fire-prone areas and plan resources and responses more effectively.

By combining these strategies, communities in Riverside County can enhance their resilience against wildfires, potentially reducing the impact and improving recovery times following such events. The Safe Community Project believes it can make a significant difference in fighting wildfire within the county.