National Fire Plan-Wildland Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance

To assist communities at risk from catastrophic wildland fires by providing assistance in the following areas: community programs that develop local capability including; assessment and planning, mitigation activities, and community and homeowner edu

This program supports communities that are at risk from devastating wildland fires by helping them strengthen their local fire resilience and preparedness. The program provides funding for community-led efforts such as wildfire risk assessments, local mitigation planning, and education that helps residents understand how to protect their homes and neighborhoods. It also supports projects that reduce hazardous vegetation and fuels, either in nearby federal areas or on surrounding non-federal lands, to lessen the threat of severe fires in high‑risk regions. In addition, the program boosts opportunities for rural workers and small businesses and improves the capabilities of local fire districts through training and modern approaches to wildfire prevention. Through these combined efforts, the program advances the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy while empowering communities, Tribal governments, states, local agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations to build safer, more fire‑adapted places.

States and local governments at risk as published in the Federal Register or as determined by the state, Indian Tribes, public and private education institutions, nonprofit organizations.

States and local governments at risk as published in the Federal Register or as determined by the state, Indian Tribes, public and private education institutions, nonprofit organizations.

Hazard reduction activities are restricted to Federal lands, or adjacent nonfederal land for activities that benefit resources on Federal land. Assistance can be used to help the National Park Service support community based efforts addressing defensible space and fuels management issues; support outreach and education efforts associated with fuels management and risk reduction activities; and increase the effectiveness of rural fire protection.

Assistance length and time depends on project complexity. No specific restrictions apply, however, most projects are funded on a year-to-year basis.

Specific evaluation criteria will be included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov. Criteria used to select assistance proposals are based on their ability to reduce the risk of wildland fire to community values and to increase the capabilities of rural fire organizations, in the vicinity of Federal lands.

Proposals received in response announcements on grants.gov are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit-based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the announcement. Awards may be made to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.

Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Program Manager listed as the point of contact. Generally 30 - 120 days.

If renewals or extensions are applicable to the project, this information will be included in the funding opportunity announcement. When renewals or extensions are applicable, continuation of funding for these activities is at the discretion of Congress and will be subject to availability of appropriated funds.

None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the National Park Service will provide applicants with information on why their proposals were not selected for award, upon request.