Firewise addresses the wildfire risk to homes located near natural spaces.
As more homes are built in Minnesota's woods and fields, the existing firefighting resources are less able to protect everyone's property while trying to control a wildfire. The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is a zone where homes, structures, or other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or areas with vegetative fuels (grasses, shrubs, etc.). Approximately 15-30% of homes in Minnesota are in a WUI.
Homes close to evergreens and the tall grasses of prairies or marshes are most at risk. The goal of the Firewise program is to help homes survive an approaching wildfire.
Minnesota has adopted the National Firewise USA program. The Minnesota Firewise Program works with homeowners and communities to help prepare for and prevent catastrophic wildfires.
Learn more by selecting your group below or reading the Minnesota Firewise Handbook.