County fire district designated a Fire Risk Reduction Community

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is proud to announce its designation as a 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community (FRRC). This prestigious recognition is part of the state’s effort to enhance fire safety and resilience across California’s high-risk areas.

This designation significantly enhances the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District’s eligibility for Cal Fire’s Wildfire Prevention Grants. These grants are awarded based on the overall benefit to reducing wildfire threats to people, structures and communities. Projects that align with the FRRC criteria are given priority, promoting comprehensive and sustainable wildfire prevention efforts across the state.

The designation as an FRRC may have a positive impact on San Bernardino County residents in addressing the challenges of obtaining homeowners insurance, specifically in the mountain communities. In 2022, the California Department of Insurance issued regulations that require insurance companies to factor in the FRRC designation when offering insurance rates.

“This designation is welcome news because, as the Board of Supervisors declared in a proclamation on June 25, San Bernardino County and the entire state is in the midst of a crippling insurance crisis,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “This designation was achieved through hard work and collaboration between the community and the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District. I’d like to thank Chief Munsey and Laura Dyberg for their leadership on this issue.”

“Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council and the Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance congratulate San Bernardino County Fire Protection District in achieving this designation,” said Dyberg, President/CEO of the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council. “This will allow communities in wildfire prone areas to have more favorable insurance rates. It is a tremendous benefit to all property owners in the county.”

The FRRC list includes local agencies situated in state responsibility areas or very high fire hazard severity zones that meet best practices for local fire planning. San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has successfully met the rigorous criteria set by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, demonstrating a commitment to advanced fire prevention and planning.

“Being recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community demonstrates the community collaboration between San Bernardino County, the fire safe councils, and County Fire as part of our ongoing efforts in wildfire prevention and safety,” said Fire Chief Dan Munsey. “This designation helps us secure vital state funding that supports wildfire mitigation efforts, as well as support our residents in obtaining necessary insurance coverage at more affordable rates.”

The criteria for inclusion in the FRRC list include adherence to comprehensive fire planning standards and implementation of proactive fire risk reduction measures. Local agencies on the list are prioritized for grant funding applications, providing critical resources for ongoing fire prevention and safety projects.

For more information on the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, visit sbcfire.org.

Additional County Update News – July 18, 2024