Yolo County is currently developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) that will cover the entire county. The CWPP is a collaborative, community-based plan focused on identifying and addressing local hazards and risks from wildfire. A CWPP outlines what and where in the county is at risk for catastrophic wildfire. Additionally, the plan outlines a roadmap of actions for a community to address the wildfire threat. Once a CWPP is implemented, the plan opens up potential federal funding opportunities to address key issues and areas outlined in the CWPP.
A CWPP is not a regulatory document. Rather, it provides wildfire hazard and risk assessments, community descriptions, options for addressing issues of vulnerability to wildfire all while outlining a priority list of projects. The CWPP will suggest projects that can efficiently reduce risk of property damage, environmental harm, and loss of life. This makes it one of the best tools we have to adapt our county to wildfire.
A CWPP can vary, but must meet three minimum requirements outlined in the Healthy Forest Restoration Act by the State of California. These three requirements include:
- Collaboration: Collaboratively developed with input from a large variety of stakeholders including but not limited to: community members, non-profit and other group cooperators, local agencies, state agencies, and federal agencies.
- Prioritized Fuel Reduction: Identifies areas for hazardous fuel reduction and recommends types and methods of treatment.
- Measures to Reduce Structural Ignitability: Recommends measures to reduce the ignitability of structures.
The HFRA requires that three entities must mutually agree on the final contents of a CWPP:
- The applicable local government (i.e. Yolo County Board of Supervisors)
- The local Fire Departments (CVERA, CVFSD, Winters FPD, Yocha Dehe FD, etc)
- The state entity responsible for forest management (CALFIRE LNU Unit Chief)
CWPP Development
Yolo County Office of Emergency Services and Yolo County RCD receives funding from CALFIRE to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Fire Safe Councils
Grant funding from CALFIRE allowed for the development of a county-wide Fire Safe Council and the creation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Previously, Yolo County lacked a wildfire prevention plan and was in need of a CWPP to assess wildfire regime, identify/prioritize projects, and raise public awareness of wildfire frequency and severity.
Complete Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment
Yolo County Fire Safe Council Hosts First Meeting
The Yolo County Fire Safe Council held its first meeting on February 23, 2021 featuring 21 voting members composed of local Fire Departments and community stakeholders. The Yolo County Fire Safe Council hosts monthly meetings that typically take place at 4 PM on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
The Yolo County Community Base Map is Established
CWPP Steering Committee Reviews Wildfire Risk Assessment
This continues through August 2022
Yolo County RCD Develops Community Priorities
Yolo County RCD coordinates with community Fire Safe Councils and rural Fire Protection Districts to further identify and understand local priorities and incorporate into CWPP project list and draft CWPP. This continues through August 2022.
Yolo County FSC Hosts Community Meetings to Collect Input for CWPP
Yolo County FSC with assistance from local Fire Safe Councils will host community workshops open to local residents to provide input on community values and priority projects that will expand wildfire resilience in Yolo County. Establishing community priorities and recommendations is a key part of the CWPP process.
Draft CWPP Reviewed by YCFSC and CWPP Steering Committee
A draft CWPP was completed and submitted to the Yolo County Fire Safe Council for review and input over several meetings.
Draft CWPP completed and submitted to CALFIRE for review
Final CWPP accepted and approved by CALFIRE
The Yolo County Living with Wildfire site contains maps that show countywide Fire History, Critical Infrastructure, and more. These maps and Risk Assessments on the Living with Wildfire site help inform the Yolo County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. To submit a project for inclusion in the Yolo County CWPP, visit the Project Submittal Form on the site.
What is a CWPP?
The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 was signed into law to reduce the threat of wildfires through public participation in forest health project planning. The Act emphasized the need for community collaboration and input in US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management hazardous fuel reduction projects. The HRFA included the first statutory incentives for USFS and BLM to consider the priorities of local communities as they develop hazardous fuel reduction projects. In order for a community to take advantage of this opportunity, it must prepare a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
A CWPP can vary as it is based on the needs of the people involved in its development. CWPPs typically address wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness, and structure protection. They must meet three requirements for their contents and adoption per the HFRA and the state of California. These requirements include:
- Collaboration: Collaboratively developed with input from a large variety of stakeholders including but not limited to: community members, non-profit and other group cooperators, local agencies, state agencies, and federal agencies.
- Prioritized Fuel Reduction: Identifies areas for hazardous fuel reduction and recommends types and methods of treatment.
- Measures to Reduce Structural Loss: Recommends measures to reduce the ignitability of structures.
Resources for creating a CWPP for your community
- CWPP Quick Guide from the California Fire Safe Council
- CWPP Leader’s Guide from the IAFC
- Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan from Forests and Rangeland