The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has been designated as a 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community (FRRC), a recognition that underscores its commitment to enhancing fire safety and resilience in high-risk areas. This prestigious honor aligns with the state’s efforts to bolster wildfire prevention across California and significantly improves the district’s eligibility for Cal Fire’s Wildfire Prevention Grants. These grants prioritize projects that align with FRRC criteria, promoting sustainable and comprehensive wildfire prevention efforts statewide.

This designation is particularly beneficial for San Bernardino County residents, especially in mountain communities facing challenges with obtaining homeowners insurance. In 2022, the California Department of Insurance mandated that insurance companies consider the FRRC designation when setting rates, potentially leading to more favorable insurance terms. Board of Supervisors Chairman Dawn Rowe highlighted the importance of this recognition, given the ongoing insurance crisis, and commended the collaborative efforts of the community and fire district in achieving this milestone.

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District met rigorous criteria set by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, demonstrating its dedication to advanced fire prevention and planning. Fire Chief Dan Munsey emphasized that being recognized as an FRRC showcases the collaborative efforts in wildfire prevention and safety, aiding in securing essential state funding and supporting residents in obtaining affordable insurance coverage. The FRRC list includes agencies in high-risk fire zones that adhere to best practices in local fire planning, prioritizing them for critical grant funding.

Read more about what the FRRC designation means for county residents at SBCounty.gov.