FIRE SAFETY

Dear Neighbors,

Our Fire Safety Committee is preparing our Firewise USA® renewal application for 2026.

The Firewise USA® program, administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recognizes communities that take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk. This isn’t just an honorary label—it helps protect our homes, property values, and neighborhood safety. In today’s climate, when fire insurance is increasingly difficult to obtain, Firewise certification is also a valuable selling point and peace of mind for homeowners.

What Firewise USA® Means for Our Community

The program encourages neighbors to work together to:

• Assess wildfire risks
• Create and maintain defensible space around homes
• Use fire-resistant landscaping and materials
• Develop ongoing action plans for mitigation
• Educate residents on wildfire preparedness
• Participate in community-wide fire safety efforts

The Knolls has proudly held Firewise recognition since 2021, and with everyone’s participation, we can achieve it again this year! 

How You Can HelpTo complete our certification renewal, we need all neighbors to submit a Firewise Volunteer Hourly Worksheet (attached) by October 15.On the worksheet, you’ll record:

• Hours worked on things like roof/gutter cleaning, removing pine needles, trimming trees, creating defensible space, or attending fire safety meetings.
• Money spent on equipment, contractors, landscaping, or home improvements related to fire safety.
• Mileage or miscellaneous efforts that support fire mitigation.

Completing this worksheet is essential for our neighborhood to maintain Firewise USA® status.👉 Please return your completed worksheet to me at secretary@theknollsstarvalley.com by October 15.Thank you for helping keep The Knolls safe and fire-resilient!Warmly,
Whitney Fentress
Secretary, The Knolls POAsecretary@theknollsstarvalley.com