Community Wildfire Mitigation Assistance

The Community Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Program (CWMAP) supports cities and counties throughout California in reducing the unreasonable risk of wildfire. The program helps jurisdictions plan for new development in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs) where very high Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) present increased hazards. By offering guidance, technical expertise, and a direct connection to CAL FIRE Units, CWMAP strengthens local capacity to make informed land use and community-level decisions that enhance long-term wildfire resilience.

Formerly known as CAL FIRE’s Land Use Planning Program, this work originated with the passage of SB 1241 (Kehoe, 2012), which established the State’s first dedicated framework for integrating wildfire hazard planning into local general plans and development review. As of January 1, 2026, the Land Use Planning Program officially merged into the new CWMAP, expanding the program’s reach and aligning it with CAL FIRE’s broader mission to support community-based wildfire risk reduction.

CWMAP staff collaborate closely with local governments and CAL FIRE Units on a range of wildfire mitigation activities, including updates to general plan safety elements, subdivision review for compliance with AB 2911 (Chapter 641, Statutes of 2018), and the evaluation of hazard-related development requirements. The program also assists neighborhoods and communities pursuing recognition through the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise USA® program, helping residents understand and reduce their local risk. Through these combined efforts, CWMAP provides comprehensive support to communities striving for safer, more fire-resilient communities.

Land Use Planning Laws

California Law Picture

Land Use Planning for Wildfires Trainings

We are excited to announce that the Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division in collaboration with the Community Wildfire Planning Center are offering another round of trainings this October and November.

“An Introduction to Land Use Planning for Wildfires in California” are free, all-day, in person trainings, and are open to land use planners, fire marshals, fire chiefs, fire mitigation specialists, building officials, and other professionals from government agencies and the private sector engaged in planning, policy, development review and/or approval activities in California.
 

 

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American Planning Association 2025 Award


Statewide Program Administrator
Sacramento Contacts
Northern Region Contacts
  • James Ausboe
    Fire Captain
    James.Ausboe@fire.ca.gov
    (530)-410-5592
    Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yuba
  • Scott Augustine
    Fire Captain
    Scott.Augustine@fire.ca.gov
    (530) 410-5142
    Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz

  • Jacob Gilliam
    Fire Captain
    Jacob.Gilliam@fire.ca.gov
    (530)-768-9375
    Alpine, Amador, Colusa, El Dorado, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sacramento, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo

Southern Region Contacts
  • Jose Quintana
    Battalion Chief
    Jose.Quintana@fire.ca.gov
    (559) 243-8992 Office
    (951) 201-9918 Cell
    Merced, Stanislaus, San Benito, Kings

  • Jose Sanabria
    Fire Captain
    jose.sanabria@fire.ca.gov
    (951)-201-1824
    Los Angeles

  • Vacant
    Fire Captain
    San Diego, San Bernardino, Inyo, Mono, Imperial

  • Leonel Plata
    Fire Captain
    Leonel.Plata@fire.ca.gov
    (559)-478-7274
    Fresno, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Monterey, Mariposa, Madera, San Joaquin, Tulare, Kern

Subdivision Review Program

The State Fire Marshals Subdivision Review Program seeks to improve fire safety in high-risk subdivisions without secondary exits.

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Sub

Firewise Communities

California is prone to the threat of wildfires, there are things you can do to protect your neighborhood, home, and family. Visit the links below to learn how.

 

 

Firewise Community
BOF Land Use Planning Safety Element

landuseplanning@bof.ca.gov