Dear Valued Supporters and Friends,

"Reflecting on the trials Ventura County faced in 2023 – whether that be intense rains and floods, a rogue wave, some wildfire scares, a tornado of all things, and so many more unexpected events – our hearts go out to those affected. While many of us were celebrating with family for the holidays, some experienced hardship from these adversities, and we empathize deeply with their struggles.

Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is committed to proactive preparation, ensuring wildfires don't add to the hardships faced by our community. Despite the many triumphs of 2023 (check out our achievements here), our dedication to service remains unwavering, promising even more in 2024.

We're gearing up for an impactful 2024, extending defensible space assistance for low-income residents, providing no-cost chipping services across the county, initiating significant fuels treatment projects, and introducing exciting changes to bolster Firewise communities to name a few.

Our success is rooted in community support, the unwavering aid of funders, sponsors, and invaluable donors. Your generosity fuels our mission to protect and prepare Ventura County. As we begin a new year, let's partner again to make a difference – after all, it's never too early for some end-of-year giving… Is it too soon to begin that campaign 😅? Join us in making 2024 a year of resilience and safety."

Warm Regards,

Stephen Watson

Executive Director

Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council

Enhance wildfire safety in your neighborhood through the NFPA’s Firewise USA® Program!

We are excited to announce that VRFSC will be hosting monthly Firewise USA workshops over Zoom. We will be answering questions regarding the Firewise process, submitting applications, maintaining In Good Standing status, etc.

Register for current and future dates here.

Thanks to expanded grant funding, our No-Cost Home Wildfire Assessments are still available for residents through 2024!

Don't wait before it's too late, sign up for a no-cost wildfire assessment at your home and learn how you can make your home safer from wildfires.

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Click on the image to the left to download our flyer and share with your friends and neighbors in Ventura County!

FEMA ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS

"The Cities of Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura are working jointly with Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services to qualify for State and Federal disaster assistance programs. Before residents can apply for assistance, damage in the County of Ventura must verified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration and officials must designate our region as a disaster area.

Despite the severity of the damage, this state and federal process does take time to transpire. Please understand that every effort is being made locally to expedite the state and federal governments decision to designate Ventura County as a disaster area."

ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS - CALL 2-1-1

All local cities have partnered with 211 of Ventura to assist residents with any unmet needs they may have due to the December floods. If you or your family has unmet needs, please call 211 from any landline or cellular telephone and a representative will work to connect you with one of several organizations available to assist.

Assistance may be available in the following areas:

• Debris removal / cleanup
• Temporary housing
• Disaster mental health support
• Assistance with food
• Assistance with temporary shelter

Ventura County is starting off the year with 6 neighborhoods in Good Standing with the NFPA's Firewise USA® program!

We hope to help more neighborhoods get their recognition this year. To do just that, we have made some updates to the Firewise USA® Assistance page on our website!

While a lot has changed since the Office was established back in 1923, today the CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to help safeguard our communities through a wide variety of fire prevention, engineering, education and enforcement efforts.