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February 24, 2026WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE MEETINGCity of Riverside Fire Department RiversideCA.gov2
One of 4 Cities in California ISO Class One Rated One of 34 Cities Nationwide both Internationally Accredited CITY OF RIVERSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENTOUTSTANDING EMERGENCY RESPONSE Since 1887
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Emergency Calls
1 Call every 11 minutes47,026Emergency Calls44,670Emergency Calls2024202535%Increase In Emergency Calls Since 2015State Fire Map +13,356 Riverside Parcels into High-Risk Fire Area RiversideCA.gov4
WILDFIRES CAN HAPPEN ANY DAY
Hawarden Fire 2024Year-Round Fire SeasonDefensible Space ChallengesHigh Ignition PotentialSanta Ana Wind ExposureExtensive Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)3 4 2/12/2026
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The goal today is Community Resilience. Bringing residents, fire officials, and community stakeholders together to strengthen Riverside’s readiness before a wildfire occurs.RIVERSIDE RESILIENCE..PULLING TOGETHER FOR WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS! Community + Fire Department = Fire Resilient RiversideCA.gov6
Empower
RIVERSIDERESILIENCE EducateUpdateEngageGET READY5
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Maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas.FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES (FHSZ) Developed by:Developed by:
Developed by:
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FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONESIN RIVERSIDEMODERATE HIGHVERY HIGH Parcels in FHSZ: 24,110Buildings in FHSZ: 17,7967
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WHAT RESIDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FORVegetation ManagementHome HardeningProperty Cleanliness & MaintenancePreparedness & PlanningCompliance with Local Ordinance RiversideCA.gov10
The home and the area furthest attached exterior point of the home.DEFENSIBLE SPACE The furthest exterior point of the home.Landscaping The Immediate Zone: 0-5 Feet The Intermediate Zone: 5-30 FeetThe Extended Zone: 30-100 Feet 0129
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ZONE 0Avoid using wood mulch.Remove dead plants, dry leaves, and pine needles from the ground, roof, and gutters.Keep firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least 5 feet away from structures.Use fire-resistant building materials for fences, decks, and siding.What to do?The Immediate Zone: 0-5 FT.
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ZONE 1The Intermediate Zone: 5-30 FT.
Keep grass mowed and green.Avoid using wood mulch.Create clear walkways.Trim back branches that hang over the roof or touch the house.Use fire-resistant building materials for fences, decks, and siding when possible.What to do?11 12 2/12/2026
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ZONE 2Thin out vegetation.Keep good spacing between tree canopies.Maintain other structures on property.Use fire-resistant building materials for fences, decks, and siding.What to do?The Extended Zone: 30-100 Feet RiversideCA.gov14
HAZARDOUS VEGETATIONAny vegetation native or ornamental that is dead, dying, overgrown, unmanaged, or otherwise maintained in a condition that creates a fire hazard or contributes to the spread, intensity, or ignition potential of a wildland fire.Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 6.16 Vegetation Management and Defensible Space 13 14
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ACCEPTABLE VEGETATION
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All owners of property in the High and Very High hazard severity zones will be notified by mail around June of pending inspection (seasonal dependent).Inspections will occur 30+ days after notification.Who it Applies ToHow Long It Will TakeParcels in violation will be referred to Code Compliance for abatement.Gross violations will be referred to Code Compliance for abatement.Violation NoticeDEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTION PROGRAM 15 16
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VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENTRiverside Municipal Code Chapter6.16 Vegetation Management and Defensible SpaceProperty owners are REQUIREDto:Maintain defensible space around structures by reducing, clearing, or modifying vegetation.Remove dead, dying, or overgrown vegetation, ladder fuels, and combustible plant material.Ensure vegetation does not obstruct roadways, impair visibility, or interfere with emergency response.Manage parcels to prevent conditions that allow wildfire to spread rapidly between structures or open-space areas.
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FREE HOME ASSESSMENT PROGRAM WHAT YOU’LL GETPersonalized Home Risk ReportDefensible Space GuidanceChecklist & Resources HOW TO APPLYSubmit your Home Assessment Program application through the City’s 311 website or App. 17 18
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AB38 FIRE INSPECTIONSWhen selling your home, a fire inspections is REQUIREDfor properties in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Sellers must provide proof of compliance to buyers before escrow closes or agree in writing to complete it after.
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YOU CAN HELP! WHY?REDUCE RISK OF FIREREDUCE RISK OF LIFE OR PROPERTY LOSSREDUCE WORKLOAD ON FIRE DEPARTMENTPOTENTIAL AND POSSIBLE DISCOUNT ON FIRE INSURANCE!GET INVOLVED 19 20
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HOW TO HELP? BECOME A FIREWISE COMMUNITY! Firewise Communities work together to improve safety by creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials, and maintaining their properties.
Neighborhood Watch for Fire!
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FIREWISE USA MAPFIREWISE USA SITES2,432CITY OF RIVERISDE FIREWISE SITES0 21 22
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Organize It
4 STEPS TO BECOMING FIREWISE
Get together with your neighbors and City of Riverside Fire Department will assist. Plan It12 RiversideCA.gov24
Apply
Do It34Get together with your neighbors and City of Riverside Fire Department will assist. 4 STEPS TO BECOMING FIREWISE23 24 2/12/2026
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RIVERSIDECA.GOV/WILDFIREScan Here with Camera
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP TO BECOME A FIREWISE COMMUNITY.OTHER CITY RESOURCESRiversideCA.gov/Fire311 AppWatch Duty AppPulse Point App RiversideCA.gov26
Riverside Alert is Riverside’s official mass notification system that sends emergency alerts to residents and businesses. Keeps you informed about wildfires, floods, evacuations, or other public safety threats.Riverside Alert
SIGN UP FOR RIVERSIDE ALERTSTAY ALERT
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