For Immediate Release

August 20, 2024

The Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District is proud to announce its designation as a Fire Risk Reduction Community (FRRC). This critical designation recognizes the District's ongoing commitment to wildfire preparedness and mitigation efforts.

The FRRC List is a list of local agencies located in a state responsibility area (SRA) or a very high fire hazard severity zone that meet best practices for local fire planning. This prestigious recognition is part of the state’s effort to enhance fire safety and resilience across California’s high-risk areas.

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, which can provide critical resources for ongoing fire prevention and safety projects.

Designation as an FRRC brings significant benefits to residents and businesses in the District. In 2022, the State of California Department of Insurance issued regulations that require insurance companies to factor in the FRRC designation when offering insurance rates. This designation means that some homeowners may see a reduction in their insurance premiums, or possibly not have their premiums increase as dramatically as in other communities. 

Residents are encouraged to contact their homeowner’s insurance provider to inquire about receiving a discount on their policy. If your insurance carrier requests evidence of this designation, you can view a copy of the California Board of Forestry's signed resolution and map, or visit the 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community List. 

The District believes that planning and implementation of wildfire risk reduction activities using recognized designations such as Firewise USA and FRRC will demonstrate to insurance companies that we are working together to reduce wildfire risk. More information regarding Firewise USA is available here. The District continues to prioritize prevention and preparedness.

Our designation as a FRRC is valid for two years. We are proud that we also made the very first Fire Risk Reduction Community List in 2022. Our goal is to continue to make this list every two years.