The wildland urban interface (WUI) is the area where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildland fire. These areas have become more popular for homeowners for their privacy, natural beauty, recreational opportunities and affordable living. Developers and communities are accommodating this desire by building neighborhoods inside these areas. As a result, rural fire districts are more often having to fight fire and protect homes and property within these wildland urban interface areas. 

 

To help address this situation, DNR has a Wildland Fire Protection 10-Year Strategic Plan and works collaboratively to help implement the National Fire Plan through Community Wildfire Protection Plans and Community Assistance Grants. DNR's Fire Prevention and Fuel Management Mapping System also provides data for community wildfire protection, wildland urban interface, and Fire Communities planning purposes.

Community Wildfire Protection Planning

To defend themselves against wildfire, it is important that wildland urban interface neighborhoods and communities do their part by developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). A CWPP is a comprehensive plan developed by local citizens and state and federal agencies. These protection plans are based on the needs of the people in the community and can address issues such as wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness, structure protection or all of the above. Congratulations to the below communities who have completed this important step.