California CWPP Toolkit
Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) are collaboratively developed by local, state, federal and tribal partners. CWPPs focus on reducing wildfire risk to people, homes, businesses, watersheds, cultural resources, infrastructure, natural ecosystems, and other values or resources within a defined planning area. The California CWPP Toolkit provides important guidance and resources for communities to develop and implement these plans across the State.
Did you know?
- CWPPs have minimum requirements and must be approved by an authorized representative from CAL FIRE, the local fire department, and the local government. See the CWPP Guide for more information.
- Many communities have successfully implemented CWPPs across California. Read about CWPP Best Practices to learn strategies and insights on planning, implementation, outreach, and more.
- CWPPs help communities prioritize wildfire risk reduction activities and access funds to carry them out. Explore the Resources to identify potential funding sources and other opportunities to support plan development and implementation.
CWPP Guide
CWPPs in California must meet specific requirements to be considered valid plans by CAL FIRE. Requirements include:
- Documentation that the plan was collaboratively developed and included public engagement
- Assessment of wildfire hazard and risk
- Prioritized actions to address hazardous fuels and reduce structural ignitability
- Signed approval by authorized representatives from the local government, fire department, and CAL FIRE (Local CAL FIRE Unit Chief, Contract County Fire Chief, or their designee)
- Additional content to describe the planning area, plan goals and objectives, roles and responsibilities, response and suppression capabilities, and more
Download the CWPP Guide to review the full set of minimum requirements and additional recommendations for plan development, submittal, and implementation.
Best Practices
CWPP best practices provide strategies, examples, tips, and resources to help improve planning outcomes. Explore the CWPP best practices to learn how your community can elevate its approach for CWPP development and implementation.
- Align the CWPP with Other Plans for Maximum Impact
- Create Diverse and Multidisciplinary CWPP Working Groups
- Employ Robust CWPP Project Implementation and Tracking Methods
- Engage Whole Communities Equitably Through Public Participation
- Provide County-Level Leadership for CWPP Development and Implementation
Resources
The CWPP Toolkit is funded through California Climate Investments (CCI), which puts cap-and-trade dollars to work. For General inquires:
prefireplanning@fire.ca.gov