WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
California wildfires are increasing at an alarming rate with vulnerable communities experiencing escalating human and economic costs.
Aerial mapping of wildfire damage has shown that reducing flammable vegetation in proximity to homes is the best defense against wildfires.
State and local regulations require homeowners to create defensible space around homes, yet compliance is minimal.
This story map explains how to:
Break the Cycle of Community Wildfire Destruction
FireWatch provides communities with the information to
measure and monitor defensible space compliance.
Aerial imagery is used to create defensible space maps for
each property in a community.
Flammable vegetative fuels are identified to improve
wildfire preparedness.
Reducing wildfire risk protects lives and property, while potentially decreasing insurance liability and increasing real estate values.
A concerted community effort is essential to reducing
vegetative fuels near structures and buildings.
FireWatch maps are used by the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District to help reduce the risk of wildfires in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
On July 10th, Fairbanks Ranch contracted with FireWatch to create strategic maps of vegetative fuel type and distribution.
Community leaders use the maps to identify wildfire risks and communicate the risk to homeowners. Fire fighters use the maps for planning, wildfire prevention, and emergency response.