2025 - 2028 Action Plan

Washington Hill has proudly been recognized as a Firewise Community for the past five years. Nestled in the Northern Sierra Nevada foothills in Grass Valley, CA, our neighborhood is part of a wildland–urban area with a rich history and unique terrain. Many of our homes, built before 1900, have been lovingly restored, while additional growth came in the late 1930s, the 1970s, and most recently, with six new homes added this decade.

Adjacent to downtown Grass Valley — a gold rush town of historical significance — Washington Hill blends heritage with resilience. To ensure we remain proactive in wildfire preparedness, our coalition chair, together with Registered Forester Dario Davidson, has developed a three-year plan with clear, achievable goals to guide our ongoing Firewise efforts. 

Year 1

The coalition's plans for Education and Outreach:

1. All property owners will be informed of the expanded boundaries of our Firewise Community.

2. A NextDoor account will be created as a means of sharing seasonal campaign materials.

3. Welcome packets containing introductory information will be given to all new residents in the area.

4. Two new signs and two new tri-fold flyer stands will be placed within our newly formed Firewise Community boundaries to improve neighborhood exposure.

5. A General meeting will be held to introduce residents to our new boundaries and other important information about our community. A home hardening booklet will be handed out at the meeting.

6. Check the accuracy of our "local volunteers" and keep that list up to date.

Home Hardening:

1. Keep screen kits available for residents to upgrade air vents with a 1/16" screen. 

2. Educate and encourage neighbors to change the mulch in Zone 0 to rock and wood fencing to metal.

3. Encourage residents to take advantage of the Advisory Program.

4. Encourage residents to follow the 10 home hardening steps for insurance relief.

Defensible Space & Fuel Reduction:

1. Publicize our tool loan program for fuel reduction projects. Purchase extra batteries.

2. Encourage residents to change from combustible much to rock or gravel, especially within 5 feet of structures, wood decks, and fences.

3. During Spring cleanup, increase 2 40sqyd roll-offs to three.

4. Continue to send out "30-Day Courtesy Notices" where fuel accumulation has been noted.

Evacuation Planning and Wildfire Preparedness:

1. Send correspondence to all residents regarding

   • Registering with Code Red

   • Knowing evacuation zones 

   • How to obtain recommended reflective address signs

2. Encourage all residents to put the Watch Duty app on their phones.

3. Emphasize the importance of early evacuation.

4. Remind all residents of the "high-low" siren.

5. Assess all evacuation routes with Advisor and City Fire Department.

Year 2

Education and Outreach:

1. Continue with outreach efforts to all new residents in the neighborhood.

2. Recruit a Social Media advisor to maintain and improve our Social Media presence.

3. Introduce the "Block Captain" system with clearly identified duties.

4. Continue to build awareness of Ready-Set-Go preparedness by using social media, educational materials, and announcements.

5. Encourage residents to become "Defensible Space Advisors" through the County training program.

Home Hardening:

1. Continue to make screen kits available and create a list of volunteers willing to help install them.

2. Encourage residents to share home hardening projects they have completed or are planning. Have neighbors work together on projects to create a sense of community.

3. Emphasize the critical importance of a home's defenses as risk management for home-to-home ignitions. We are all in this together!

4. Encourage residents to clear all fuel from roofs and gutters all year long with a compliance of >75%.

Defensible Space & Fuel Reduction:

1. Publicize County Green Waste drop-off days and our own Green Waste Community events.

2. Help promote low-flammability landscaping by showing examples throughout the community. Help neighbors achieve similar results.

3. Encourage the removal of ladder fuels under trees and shrubs.

4. Publicize the idea of "island planting" through social media.

5. Generate donations to the tool Loan program.

Evacuation Planning and Wildfire Preparedness:

1. Monitor conditions of evacuation routes and organize word parties when necessary.

2. Social media splash on "What's in your Go Bag".

3. Inform residents on how to prep their home if they are evacuated.

4. Encourage residents to keep a photo or video log of the contents of their homes.

Year 3

Education and Outreach:

1. At an annual education event, focus on the importance of home hardening and Zone 0 improvements.

2. Maintain the tri-fold flyer holders throughout the neighborhood.

3. Solicite input from the block captains about the specific needs of an area.

4. Maintain and update the contact list to make sure everyone is getting the latest information.

Home Hardening:

1. Leaders and captains will keep current and share with the community any guidelines related to home hardening science and insurance requirements.

2. Use photos on social media to highlight preferred examples of home hardening projects, costs, DYI methods, and or recommended contractors.  

3. Encourage residents to request an Advisory visit if they are confused or lack knowledge about home hardening goals and priorities.

Defensible Space & Fuel Reduction:

1. Promote through social media and the website our tool loan program.

2. Advertise all Green Waste events using social media, signs, and banners.

3. Complete a demonstration garden to provide Firewise landscaping options to the community.

4. Maintain landscaping and native vegetation areas with minimal ladder and ground fuels.

Evacuation Planning and Wildfire Preparedness:

1. Code Red check. Leaders and captains will check in with residents to make sure they are receiving any County OES tests through social media.

2. Investigate using a neighborhood emergency alert system such as PhoneVite.

3. Share the evacuation protocol for residential and commercial property evacuations.

4. Continue to evaluate and provide recommendations for fire notifications and alert apps available for the community.