CWPPs are designed from a collaboration of local government, fire departments and TFS WUI specialists to identify wildfire risks and create protection and mitigation strategies. A plan can be as simple or complex as the needs of the community. CWPPs are authorized by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.

When developing a CWPP, WUI specialists along with community leaders work to: 

• Identify projects to reduce ignition sources around structures
• Address treatment of structural ignitability
• Identify local capacity building and training needs
• Promote wildfire awareness programs

A CWPP can be completed at the county or community level. Review the Leader's Guide (PDF, 2MB)and CWPP Guide (PDF, 22MB)for help creating an effective plan to reduce the wildfire risk to homes, businesses and natural resources in your community.

To view an example of a completed CWPP, please see the City of Bryan's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (PDF, 138MB).

To begin your Community Wildfire Protection Plan, contact your local WUI Specialist today.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs launched the "Ready, Set, Go!" program nationally in 2011. Texas is very active with nearly 400 members. 

• Ready: Your home and family should be ready long before a wildfire ignites. Creating defensible space through proper landscaping techniques (PDF, 13MB) and using fire resistant building materials (PDF, 2MB) designed to withstand a wildfire are part of this step.
• Set: When a wildfire is headed your way, it’s time to start preparing to leave. Alert your family and friends. Stay tuned to news reports. Grab your emergency kit, and be ready to head out at a moment’s notice. Make sure you know where you're going and what you're taking with you. The American Red Cross can provide shelter and basic necessities during a disaster and can help you get back on your feet after it's over.
• Go! Once the fire is bearing down on you, there is often nothing you can do but get out of its way. At this point, it’s time to go!

The Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program is aimed at small communities, community associations and master planned communities and is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. The goal is to assess the wildfire risk and create a network of cooperating homeowners and organizations within a community and a community’s fire department. Texas is home to over 60 active Firewise Communities.

Being recognized as a Firewise Community requires that the community has an on-going commitment toward mitigating wildfire hazards within their community.

To become a Firewise Community the following steps must be completed:

Enlist a WUI Specialist to complete a community assessment and create a plan that identifies agreed-upon achievable solutions to be implemented by the community. Sponsor a local Firewise task force which maintains the Firewise Community/USA program and tracks its progress or status. Observe a Firewise Communities/USA Day annually that is dedicated to a local Firewise project. Invest a minimum of $2 per capita annually in local Firewise projects. (Work by municipal employees or volunteers using municipal and other equipment can be included, as can state/federal grants dedicated to that purpose.) Submit an annual report to Firewise Communities/USA that documents continuing compliance with the program. See this NFPA Fact Sheet on Becoming a Recognized Firewise Community.

To learn more about the Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program, contact your local Wildland Urban Interface Specialist today.

Wildfires will occur where people live—it’s not if, but when. And when a community hasn’t prepared, the economic, social and environmental consequences can be far-reaching. Taking the right steps in advance can minimize damage to homes and property, increase public safety, protect infrastructure and businesses, save millions of dollars and ensure future tourism and local recreation opportunities.

Implementing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, or a program like "Ready, Set, Go!" and Firewise Communities/USA in your community is the best way for your community to become fire adapted.

To learn more about joining the Fire Adapted Communities initiative, contact your local Wildland Urban Interface Specialist today.

Planning for wildfires must take place long before a community is threatened. Once a wildfire starts, the only option available to firefighters is to attempt to suppress the fire before it reaches a community.  A CWPP is unique in that it empowers citizens to share the responsibility of determining the best strategies for protecting a community and allows making informed choices to decrease the hazards around them.

Eligible CWPP grant applicants are local county or community governments in the State of Texas who have been identified by TFS for funding based on the intent to develop a new CWPP or update an existing CWPP.  Private or non‐profit organizations are not eligible for grant funds.

There are two stages to the application process. First, an applicant should complete the application and submit it to:

Texas A&M Forest Service

Mitigation & Prevention Office

Attn. CWPP Coordinator

2127 S. First Street

Lufkin, TX 75901

Second, the application is reviewed by the grant committee for eligibility, feasibility, cost‐effectiveness and completeness before returning their decision. Applicant will be notified of their status within thirty days of receipt of the application.

Applications will be accepted until all funds have been awarded. Early applications are encouraged. Priority will be given to applications received prior to March 2, 2018. The grant cost period will begin upon notice from the CWPP Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service and end March 1, 2019 in conjunction with the completion of an approved CWPP.

Click the link to download the 2018 State-Wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan Grant.

If you have any questions about the guidelines, application, or the funding available please do not hesitate to contact Melanie Karns at mkarns@tfs.tamu.edu or (979) 450-2578.

2015 Prescribed Fire Grant Application is now available

Scope of Project:

Reduce the hazard of high-risk fuels on private lands through the use of prescribed burning. Treatment area will be within 10 miles of a National Forest boundary. The grant's goal is to protect high-risk communities and associated forest resources by reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire on private and public lands. Priority will be given to projects that meet both criteria.

Detailed Map of the Sam Houston National Forest Communities

Detailed Map of the Davy Crockett National Forest Communities

Detailed Map of the Angelina National Forest Communities

Detailed Map of the Sabine National Forest Communities

Grant recipients will be reimbursed actual costs associated with conducting the prescribed burn. The maximum reimbursement rate will not exceed $30 per acre. Upon completion of the prescribed burn, the landowner will provide an invoice indicating work performed to Texas A&M Forest Service. After inspection by TFS personnel, the landowner will be reimbursed up to $30 per acre.

2015 Community Wildfire Protection Grant Final Summary Report

2014 Community Wildfire Protection Grant Final Summary Report

2013 Community Wildfire Protection Grant Final Summary Report

The Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal is an online, user-friendly, statewide planning tool that provides reference information, maps, reports and statistics for community leaders in regards for wildfire planning and mitigation needs. TxWRAP provides information on the following topics:

TxWRAP has the ability to produce an informative output summary of maps, text, tables and graphs for your county, community or fire department response area. The information can be included in your Community Wildfire Protection Plan (PDF, 22MB) or other wildfire mitigation plans.  To learn more about using TxWRAP, please contact your local WUI Specialist.