Wildland Fire Assessment Program
The Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) is a joint effort by the U.S. Forest Service and the NVFC to provide volunteer firefighters and non-operational personnel, such as Fire Corps members, with training on how to properly conduct assessments for homes located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). This is the first program targeted to volunteers that specifically prepares them to evaluate a home and provide residents with recommendations to protect their property from wildfires in order to make their community more fire adapted.
Through this program, the NVFC offers the following resources.
In-Person Training:
- The classroom-only option covers understanding the WUI problem, identifying defensible space zones, review and discuss forms for evaluating homes, and available resources.
- The classroom plus hands-on component builds on this instruction and includes an on-site, mock evaluation where participants assess a home in the community to apply what they’ve learned.
- Click here for the upcoming course schedule.
- Request this training (scheduling January through June 2026)
Online Training: This four module course is available in the NVFC Virtual Classroom.
WFAP Toolkit: The toolkit provides information and resources in a train-the-trainer format that can be used to teach the fundamentals of performing home assessments with and for residents living in communities that are susceptible to wildfires. Participate in the online or in-person training to access the full Toolkit.
Assessment Tools: These consist of the WFAP online checklist and online data-tracking system for a fire/EMS department to record how many assessments have been performed and recommendations made to residents. Assessment Tools instructions and additional information are covered in the training and Toolkit.
Supplemental Resources: Customizable documents are available to help implement and market the WFAP program in your community. Participate in the online or in-person training to access the full Toolkit.
Additional Resources
Fire Adapted Communities
Wildfire is everyone’s responsibility, and a Fire Adapted Community means that all stakeholders – homeowners, firefighters, land managers, and civic leaders – do their part to prepare for the next wildfire. This web site offers information and specific actions each stakeholder must take as well as a reference guide and additional resources to help promote Fire Adapted Communities locally.
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FAC Net) connects and supports people and communities who are striving to live more safely with wildfire. The Network is a catalyst for spreading best practices and innovation in fire adaptation concepts nationwide. The purpose of FAC Net is to exchange information, collaborate to enhance the practice of fire adaptation, and work together and at multiple scales to help communities live safety with fire. This includes embracing resiliency concepts and taking action before, during, and after wildfires.
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is held annually the first Saturday in May. Utilize this opportunity to create a project or activity that will raise wildfire awareness and help protect homes, neighborhoods, and entire communities from future wildfires.
Wildfire Risk to Communities
Wildfire Risk to Communities is a free, easy-to-use web site with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. It was created by the USDA Forest Service under the direction of Congress and is designed to help community leaders, such as elected officials, community planners, and fire managers.
