 CSA Planning is leading the way in assistance to public and private entities in creating wildfire resilient communities in Florida. While many people associate wildfire with western states, there is a need for wildfire mitigation in the eastern U.S. as well. Most of Florida’s ecosystems, as well as many throughout the southeast, are adapted to and dependent on frequent natural burning. Development, particularly low density residential, is rapidly expanding into wilderness areas that often have high levels of vegetative fuels due to fire suppression. Communities located in these fire-adapted habitats are vulnerable to wildfire, but many mitigation techniques are available that can be used to lessen the risk for existing communities or prevent new at-risk development from occurring.
Addressing Wildfire Mitigation through Existing Local Plans
Local governments across the nation have or are developing local mitigation plans compliant with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. These plans must address all hazards applicable to the particular jurisdiction. Through the local mitigation plan, a community can assess the level of wildfire risk and create projects or initiatives to address vulnerability. CSA Planning has developed many local mitigation plans (see the All-Hazards Planning & Emergency Management page) and can assist in creating or updating these plans with a special emphasis on wildfire.
In addition to addressing wildfire through the local mitigation plan, a local government could choose to integrate wildfire mitigation into their comprehensive or land use plans. We also have assisted governments to address wildfire issues in this manner and can share examples of policies some communities in Florida have included in their comprehensive plans. CSA Planning also can analyze a community’s planning documents and suggest policy language appropriate for the particular wildfire risk and regulatory environment of the community (also see the Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Local Plans page).
Creating a Standalone Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Many communities that have a history of wildfire destruction or recognize that they are particularly vulnerable have decided to create a plan solely addressing wildfire mitigation. CSA Planning has developed several of these plans (see Past Clients on below) and found that the planning process alone greatly raises the awareness and motivation to mitigate wildfire hazards among staff and others involved. This is a result of creating a stakeholder group that acts as an advisory committee during plan development and often continues oversight of plan implementation later on. Stakeholder group meetings allow access to valuable institutional knowledge that strengthen the plan, and in addition the meetings may act as a means of educating staff from various departments and assembling stakeholders that previously may not have had a chance to discuss the issue together. Our wildfire mitigation plans include a risk analysis complete with mapping of wildfire vulnerable areas, an institutional analysis that explores the capabilities available for use in mitigation, and an action plan that lists and prioritizes mitigation initiatives and ties these with timing and funding considerations. In addition to these major components, the plans also include background information on the wildfire problem appropriate for public educational efforts and implementation tools such as risk survey instruments. Our wildfire mitigation plans exceed requirements of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which is a recent national initiative to address wildfire fuel reduction in at-risk communities. CSA Planning can assist communities with the CWPP template, or it can be used to address fuel reduction in particular at-risk neighborhoods as an additional component of a more comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan.
Assisting Developers and Neighborhoods Mitigate Wildfire Risk
CSA can also assist interested developers or neighborhood associations with the implementation of firewise techniques. The best way to mitigate hazards is to develop in a proactive disaster-resilient way. New developments that include firewise design and building materials can be safe and cost effective. Some developers have found that being firewise enhances the marketability of a residential development while having little effect on costs. In addition, certain jurisdictions are now requiring some elements of firewise design and construction. CSA is very familiar with these techniques and can consult with clients during design and permitting phases regarding which firewise options are necessary based on the wildfire risk of the particular site.
Neighborhood associations or other community organizations that wish to address wildfire vulnerability also may benefit from CSA assistance. We can help neighborhoods develop a CWPP or assist them in obtaining a Firewise Communities USA designation.
 Providing Training for Local Government Staff and Educating the Public
CSA Planning has been active in presenting wildfire mitigation within the professional planning community and in developing training sessions for public officials, elected officials, and citizens. We have developed and conducted workshops focused on educating planners, emergency managers, and developers of the need for wildfire mitigation. We also have developed materials for public awareness and education, such as the poster shown here.
CSA Planning can provide training module or workshop development, facilitation, or written educational materials including guidebooks and graphical aids. These services can be customized to fit educational efforts ranging from national deployment to a town hall meeting.
Finding Funding for Wildfire Mitigation Planning, Implementation, or Training
We know that local governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations may not have funding to address wildfire mitigation but believe this should not stand in the way of building disaster resilience. It’s our common practice to locate grant and other funding opportunities and apply for these at no cost to our clients. Many federal and state grant opportunities are available each year for development of wildfire mitigation projects. CSA Planning is available to discuss these opportunities at any time.
Past Clients — Wildfire Mitigation Projects
- Indian River County Department of Emergency Services
Countywide Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan
- Okeechobee County Department of Emergency Services
Countywide Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan
- Village of Wellington Public Works Department
Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan
- American Planning Association
Firewise Post-Workshop Assessment Study
- Flagler County Department of Emergency Services
Countywide Wildfire Mitigation Plan
- City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
- Florida Division of Forestry
Wildfire Mitigation Workshops
- E.H. Building Group L.L.C
Harbor Walk Preserve: Stuart, Florida
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