As we build more homes within forested areas, wildfires become an increasing threat to our community. There are a number of simple, effective ways of decreasing your fire risk, and the Firewise USA® program created by the National Fire Protection Association is the best way to make your home, neighborhood, and community safe.  Firewise USA® is an easy-to-use online program for the purpose of educating homeowners about property care and maintenance they can do to lessen the effects of wildfire on their home. It is also a public recognition program, in which communities can develop a community plan of fire risk reduction efforts for homes.  These fire risk reduction efforts are discussed more fully on the Firewise USA® website, and include clearing brush from around the home, pruning problem trees, and exchanging to less flammable materials for home landscape.  Any community with a homeowner’s association, or simply a small group of neighboring homeowners (a minimum of 8 individual dwelling units) who choose to organize together for this purpose, can apply on the Firewise USA® website to begin the process of becoming Firewise USA® recognized, and become a safer community to live in.  As your community begins the process of becoming Firewise USA® recognized, there may be certain outdoor projects like tree trimming that need contracted services. Good news! For communities who are taking steps toward Firewise USA® recognition, there are funds available to cover some of these costs and remove the burden from homeowners so that they can make their communities safer and better prepared. If you would like more information about Firewise USA® and the available funding opportunity, please fill out the fields below and bring it to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Cherokee County Center.