Wildfires are bigger, burn longer, cause more damage, and kill more people than ever before. This new reality requires greatly expanding prevention, preparedness, and fuel-reduction efforts throughout Marin. The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) is a coalition of local fire agencies, emergency service providers, and cities, towns, and county government being formed to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness initiative.
MWPA Initiative
Key elements of this initiative include:
- Improving emergency alert and warning systems to enhance early alert for organized evacuations
- Expanding coordinated efforts to reduce combustible plants and vegetation
- Improving evacuation routes and infrastructure to enhance traffic flow and promote safe evacuations
- Expanding and enhancing defensible space and home evaluations and educating homeowners about how to reduce the vulnerability of their home and neighborhood to wildfire
- Providing grants and support to seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income homeowners who need assistance maintaining a defensible space, making homes fire resistant, reducing combustible vegetation, and preparing for emergencies
- Creating and sustaining a coordinated local wildfire public safety and disaster preparedness program
- Supporting residents to establish Firewise USA programs in neighborhoods through ongoing public education
Bringing a Local Wildfire Prevention Initiative to Reality
- Marin’s fire agencies, cities, towns, and county government are currently working to form the MWPA and develop a coordinated program for wildfire prevention.
- To be successful, a stable source of locally-controlled funding dedicated to wildfire prevention and public safety is required.
- A countywide parcel tax measure is under consideration for the March 2020 election to provide dedicated funding for the MWPA program.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the MWPA initiative.
Learn more at www.marinwildfire.org
