San Bernardino County recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District recently announced it has been designated a 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community (FRRC).

The designation means San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has a greater chance for receiving Cal Fire Wildfire Prevention Grants. Projects that align with the FRRC criteria are given priority, promoting comprehensive and sustainable wildfire prevention efforts across the state.

The designation may also prove beneficial for 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.”

“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 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. The criteria, set by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, includes adherence to comprehensive fire planning standards and implementation of proactive fire risk reduction measures.