The Friends of Pioneertown

Pioneertown Area. Firewise Communities in the Inland Empire

In the Inland Empire, several communities are recognized as “Firewise Communities,” meaning they have taken proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk through resident education, vegetation management, and home hardening practices. Notable examples include areas in Yucaipa, Angelus Oaks, Running Springs, and parts of San Bernardino County, including areas in the San Bernardino Mountains. All of these communities participate in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise USA program to achieve this designation. You can learn more about the Firewise USA program on the NFPA website: Firewise USA website

Sarah Kennington met with fire officials from Cal Fire and the San Bernardino Co Fire Dept last Fall to review neighborhood maps for emergency responders as part of a new effort to create a formal Pioneertown Area Firewise Community.
Sarah Kennington met with fire officials from Cal Fire and the San Bernardino Co Fire Dept last Fall to review neighborhood maps for emergency responders as part of a new effort to create a formal Pioneertown Area Firewise Community.

Pioneertown has started the process to become a Firewise community. Although not yet certified, Pioneertown residents are banding together to take the necessary steps to complete the process and help make Pioneertown more resilient to wildfires that can devastate a community.

The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience in California. This initiative promotes collaborative efforts among residents, local fire departments, and other key stakeholders to bolster the fire resistance of homes and their surroundings. Integral to California’s wildfire preparedness strategy, the program is supported by CAL FIRE’s Community Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Division, aiding communities in achieving Firewise designation. 2 You can find more information on CAL FIRE’s wildfire preparedness efforts here: CAL FIRE Wildfire Preparedness.

Key points about Inland Empire Firewise Communities:

  • Program details: The Firewise USA program encourages communities to work together to assess wildfire risks, create action plans, and implement strategies to improve their resilience against wildfires.
  • Community involvement: Residents in designated Firewise communities actively participate in activities like clearing vegetation, maintaining defensible space around homes, and educating neighbors about wildfire preparedness.
  • Verification process: To be recognized as a Firewise community, a neighborhood must undergo an evaluation by the NFPA, demonstrating their commitment to wildfire mitigation practices.

Pioneertown has not yet completed the requirements to be verified as a Firewise community.

Cal Fire and San Bernardino County Fire officials conducting Pioneertown neighborhood site visits last Fall with local residents to assess wildfire resiliency needs as part of a new Firewise Community effort underway.
Cal Fire and San Bernardino County Fire officials conducting Pioneertown neighborhood site visits last Fall with local residents to assess wildfire resiliency needs as part of a new Firewise Community effort underway.