It’s not a question of if, but when, the next wildfire will occur. That’s why the most important person protecting your life and property is not a firefighter, but you. With advanced planning and preparation, you can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your property. We hope you’ll find the information on the next pages helpful as you prepare your home and family for a wildfire. Remember: Ready, Set, Go!

Wildfire has been a natural part of the ecosystem in Southern California for thousands of years; however, the influx of human development over the last 100+ years has significantly altered that system. Wildfires that once burned naturally across the landscape, now pose a significant threat to human life and property. The characteristics of these wildfires have also changed, such as the frequency in which they burn and how intensely they burn. These changes are not only linked to urban growth, but also drought conditions, non-native invasive plants, and climate change. Wildfires in Southern California are inevitable; however, the loss of human life can be prevented and the loss and/or damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and other human development can be significantly reduced through thoughtful urban planning.

The City of La Verne Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is the result of a City-wide planning effort to evaluate and identify the wildfire threat, develop strategies that enhance wildfire protection, and protect human life and the City’s assets. The development of this CWPP includes extensive data gathering, existing planning documents, collaboration with stakeholders, and a science-based assessment of the potential wildfire threat. As a result of these efforts, stakeholders were able to identify areas with the highest wildfire threat and have developed mitigation actions needed to enhance protection of the City from wildfire.

This CWPP is consistent with objectives and policies set forth in the 2003 Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and the City of La Verne’s General Plan, Parks & Community Services Master Plan, Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, Strategic Plan, and City Fire Codes.

The primary purpose of this CWPP is to protect human life and reduce the loss of assets such as property, critical infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources due to wildfire. This CWPP serves to guide future actions of property-owners, business-owners, La Verne Fire Department, City staff, and other interested parties in their efforts to reduce the wildfire threat to the City.

The recommendations presented in this CWPP are intended to guide the preparation of future site-specific hazard mitigation. The implementation of this plan is subject to available funding, other City priorities, and environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Download PDF: City of La Verne Community Wildfire Protection Plan