Fire Adapted Communities

A term used to describe communities that have proactively taken steps to reduce their vulnerability to wildfires and enhance their overall resilience. Fire adapted communities acknowledge and accept their risk of wildfire and implement a range of strategies to mitigate that risk, such as creating defensible space, employing fire-resistant construction, implementing hazardous fuels reduction projects, and developing emergency preparedness and evacuation plans. These communities often involve collaboration among residents, local government, fire departments, land management agencies, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to wildfire risk management. In legal disputes related to wildfires, such as the Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire, issues may arise concerning the extent to which a community has adapted to its wildfire risk, the responsibility of various parties in promoting and implementing fire-adapted strategies, and the potential impact of these efforts on the outcome of a wildfire event.