Atascadero neighborhood earns recognition as ‘Firewise USA’ community
– Atascadero neighborhood, El Monte Estates, has been recognized as a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firewise USA community, making it the third Atascadero neighborhood to earn that status within the past 11 months, Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services announced.
El Monte Estates spans 186 acres and includes 30 homes with more than 60 residents. Over the past several months, the community worked with Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services to assess local wildfire hazards and implement strategies to reduce risk. Accomplishments included establishing a resident-led Firewise board, conducting a community wildfire risk assessment, and developing a three-year mitigation and defensible space action plan.
The community submitted its Firewise USA application to the association on March 16 and soon after received its official certificate of recognition.
“This recognition highlights the dedication of El Monte Estates to reducing wildfire risk through strong community collaboration,” said Battalion Chief Dave Van Son. “Their efforts demonstrate what is possible when residents take an active role in protecting their neighborhood.”
Participation in the Firewise USA program offers several benefits, including improved wildfire safety through structured risk assessments and mitigation planning, access to guidance and support from local and state fire agencies, increased eligibility for grants and funding for vegetation management and defensible space projects, stronger community engagement and shared responsibility for fire preparedness, and potential insurance-related advantages, depending on participating carriers.
Residents or neighborhoods interested in learning about the Firewise USA program or exploring how to begin the recognition process are encouraged to contact Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services.
More information about the association’s Firewise USA program is available at https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa.
