**I. BACKGROUND**

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) process assists
communities in developing an appropriate and desired wildfire protection
plan that addresses elements of community protection. A community can
use this outline to develop a plan. Through discussion among interested
parties about wildfire protection, communities develop clarify and
refine their priorities for protection of life, property, and critical
infrastructure in the wildland urban interface. Minimum requirements for
a CWPP; include (1) collaboration, (2) prioritizing areas for treatment,
and (3) recommended measures to reduce structure ignitibility. The
following process is an aid to help a community to complete a CWPP. It
should not be overly complex. Three elements are addressed in this
process the risk/hazard assessment, mitigation plan, and monitoring.

**II. EXECTIVE SUMMARY** \[Note: *Provides a succinct summary of the
assessment's findings, Address the minimum requirements of (1)
collaboration, (2) prioritized areas for fuel reduction, and (3)
recommended measures to reduce the ignitability of structures*\]

**III. COLLABORATION**

\[*Describe the collaboration process and involvement*\]

Collaboration may be accomplished through three processes. Convene
decision makers, involve local, state and federal agencies and engage
interested parties. Decision makers will be those responsible for the
development of the CWPP. The make up of this group will depend upon the
community. Involvement of local, state and government agencies, and
other interested parties will depend upon the needs of the community. In
the same way approval or adoption of the plan will be governed by the
appropriate process identified by the community.

This risk assessment system provides information about four primary
elements contributing to or mitigating wildfire danger within or near a
given Alaska community. These elements are

1\) Risk/Hazard

2\) Barriers

3\) Fire Protection Response

4\) Community Firewise Rating

**IV. Assessment to Prioritize Areas for Fuel Reduction**

**A. Introduction: \[**Note; *All potential partners and interested
parties should be invited to participate in the planning process.
Utilize topographic maps, GIS maps, satellite imagery, aerial
photographs, or other maps wherever possible to minimize preparation
workload and to improve the usefulness of the plan.*\]

 

**B. Identification and Description of Community and Area** *\[Note:
More than one community may be included\]*

1\. Describe the WUI boundary and how it was delineated

#  2. Community Name 

3\. Location:

4\. General Geographic Location

a\. Lat. Long.

b\. Township Range Section Meridian

5\. Population:

6\. Structures:

> a\. Homes (*list \# of primary residences-used 6 months or more per
> year)*
>
> b\. Community buildings (*list \# of hospitals, schools, offices,
> generators, etc*.)
>
> c\. Commercial (*list \# of lodges, business, rentals etc.*)
>
> d\. Seasonally inhabited structures (*non-commercial-used less than 6
> months per year*)
>
> e\. Outbuildings (*list# of unattached garages, sheds, caches, etc.*)

7\. Infrastructure: (*utilities, type of roads, airstrip, etc)*

8\. Industry: *(tourism, commercial activities, air services, etc.*)

9\. Natural Resource Values: *(timber, berries, wildlife habitat,
watershed*)

10\. Cultural Sites: *(registered historic sites or landmarks, burial
sites, etc.)*

11\. Dumps: *(note presence of incinerator burn boxes)*

> 12\. Hazards: *(fuel tanks, hazardous materials, vegetation type,
> vegetation density, recently burned areas, proposed treatment areas,
> slope, aspect of terrain, etc.*)

13\. Fire Equipment: *(specify- engines, hand tolls, etc.)*

> 14\. Local Fire Prevention Efforts: *(e.g. have schools participate in
> the Fire in Alaska, Role of Fire, Project Learn Tree, camps, firewise,
> or other fire prevention, fire education opportunities)*
>
> 15\. Other community values: (*historical, economic, watershed, etc*.)

**C. Areas or Values to be Protected** \[*Identify and prioritize
specific values or areas in the immediate vicinity to be protected such
as structures, cultural sites, resources or qualities that are
considered significant that would be impacted by wildfire and would have
a negative economic impact on the community. Include an estimate of the
monetary value if appropriate. Assess the vulnerability of any of the
above identified elements to wildland fire. Areas of concern should be
documented.\]*

## D. Assessment of Risk/Hazard, Barriers, Fire Protection Resources, and Firewise

1\. Fire Regime and Condition Class

## 

##  2. Rating Elements

> a\) [Risk/Hazard Analysis]{.underline}
>
> \(1\) Inside Community:
>
> The rating area includes lands within one mile of the community in all
> directions. The rating is based on history/likelihood of fire in the
> community and the availability of hazard fuels. Provide a description
> of local fire history and fuel conditions and give High, Moderate or
> Low rating based on the Risk/Hazard Chart.
>
> \(2\) Outside Community:
>
> The rating area is from 1-10 miles outside the community and is based
> on the history/likelihood of fire in the area and the availability of
> hazard fuels. Provide a description of area fire history and fuel
> conditions and give a High, Moderate or Low rating based on the
> Risk/Hazard Chart.
>
> b\) [Barriers]{.underline}
>
> Alaska communities are situated in a variety of conditions through out
> Alaska. Some are along river corridors, others on uplands, and along
> coastal areas. Surrounding many of these communities are barriers.
> Barriers are zones that would help restrict large fire movement from
> coming into the community. Barriers may be water, natural or manmade.
> A natural barrier may be a topographic feature, vegetation change, or
> bare ground. An example of a manmade barrier would be a road. Describe
> any barriers that would provide protection or slow the progress from
> wildfires burning in fuels less than1 mile from the community. Give an
> Excellent, Fair or Poor rating based on the Barrier Rating Chart.
>
> c\) [Fire Protection Resources]{.underline}
>
> Communities typically rely on the State of Alaska, Division of
> Forestry, or the BLM, Alaska Fire Service for protection from large
> wildfires. However, other protection resources may exist, and response
> times can vary widely in remote areas of Alaska. Describe the
> situation. Using the Fire Protection Response Chart, give an
> Excellent, Fair or Poor rating based on predicted response times to
> the community and nearby lands. List the types of resources that are
> available for initial attacking a wildland fire.
>
> d\) [Firewise Ratings]{.underline}
>
> Using the Firewise Home Rating Chart, perform cursory firewise ratings
> of all homesites and community buildings. Using the Firewise Community
> Rating Guidelines, give a rating of Excellent, Fair or Poor.

Risk/Hazard Analysis Chart 1

Outside Community Area (1-10 miles)

+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| #                               | Alaska   |               |        |
|                                 | Fire     |               |        |
|                                 | Return   |               |        |
|                                 | Interval |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| #                               | High     | Moderate      | Low    |
| FUELS (predicted fire behavior  |          |               |        |
| based on historic summertime we | (0-99    | (100-300      | (\>300 |
| ather with hot, dry conditions) | years)   | years)        | years) |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| # Black Spruce Boreal Forest    | H        | M             | M      |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| (CFFDRS=C2)                     |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: high*          |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: high*               |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: high*      |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Black Spruce Lichen Woodland    | H        | M             | M      |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| (CFFDRS=C1)                     |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate or spread: moderate*      |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: moderate*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: high*      |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Grass (cured tall standing or   | ## H     | M             | L      |
| matted; CFFDRS = O1a/O1b)       |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| # *rate of spread: high*        |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: moderate:*          |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: low*       |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Mixed Boreal Forest (may        | ## M     | M             | L      |
| include white or black spruce,  |          |               |        |
| aspen and/or birch; CFFDRS=M1)  |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: moderate*      |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: moderate*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: moderate*  |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| # Har                           | M        | L             | L      |
| dwood Forest (includes aspen &  |          |               |        |
| birch; CFFDRS use D1 or M1, M2) |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: low*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: low*                |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: low*       |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Deciduous Brush (includes       | L        | L             | L      |
| willow & alder)                 |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: low*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: low*                |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: low*       |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Insect and Disease in Mixed     | M        | H             | M      |
| Boreal Forest (may include      |          |               |        |
| white or black spruce, aspen    |          |               |        |
| and/or birch;                   |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: moderate*      |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: High*               |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: High*      |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+

Risk/Hazard AnalysisChart 2

Inside Community Area (within 1 mile)

+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| #                               | Alaska   |               |        |
|                                 | Fire     |               |        |
|                                 | Return   |               |        |
|                                 | Interval |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| #                               | High     | Moderate      | Low    |
| FUELS (predicted fire behavior  |          |               |        |
| based on historic summertime we | (0-99    | (100-300      | (\>300 |
| ather with hot, dry conditions) | years)   | years)        | years) |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| # Black Spruce Boreal Forest    | H        | M             | M      |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| (CFFDRS=C2)                     |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: high*          |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: high*               |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: high*      |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Black Spruce Lichen Woodland    | H        | M             | M      |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| (CFFDRS=C1)                     |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate or spread: moderate*      |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: moderate*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: high*      |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Grass (cured tall standing or   | ## H     | M             | L      |
| matted; CFFDRS = O1a/O1b)       |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| # *rate of spread: high*        |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: moderate:*          |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: low*       |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Mixed Boreal Forest (may        | ## M     | M             | L      |
| include white or black spruce,  |          |               |        |
| aspen and/or birch; CFFDRS=M1)  |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: moderate*      |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: moderate*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: moderate*  |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| # Ha                            | M        | L             | L      |
| rdwood Forest (includes aspen & |          |               |        |
|  birch; CFFDRS use D1 or M1,M2) |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: low*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: low*                |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: low*       |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Deciduous Brush (includes       | L        | L             | L      |
| willow & alder)                 |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: low*           |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: low*                |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: low*       |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+
| Insect and Disease in Mixed     | M        | H             | M      |
| Boreal Forest (may include      |          |               |        |
| white or black spruce, aspen    |          |               |        |
| and/or birch;                   |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *rate of spread: moderate*      |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *intensity: High*               |          |               |        |
|                                 |          |               |        |
| *spotting potential: High*      |          |               |        |
+---------------------------------+----------+---------------+--------+

**Barrier Rating Chart**

+-----------------------------+--------------+----------+------------+
| ## Barrier T                | Excellent    | Fair     | Poor       |
| ype (list specific type und |              |          |            |
| er excellent, fair or poor) |              |          |            |
+-----------------------------+--------------+----------+------------+
| Water (may include lakes,   |              |          |            |
| rivers, streams and         |              |          |            |
| sloughs)                    |              |          |            |
+-----------------------------+--------------+----------+------------+
| Natural features (may       |              |          |            |
| include barren landscape,   |              |          |            |
| rock, topographic features) |              |          |            |
+-----------------------------+--------------+----------+------------+
| Human-made features (may    |              |          |            |
| include airstrips or other  |              |          |            |
| clearings)                  |              |          |            |
+-----------------------------+--------------+----------+------------+
| # Overall Rating            |              |          |            |
+-----------------------------+--------------+----------+------------+

**Barrier Rating Chart Key**:

[Excellent:]{.underline} Community has a barrier(s) that provides
thorough protection from fuels less than1 mile away in at least 3
cardinal directions. An example of this would be a small community
sandwiched between a major river and a runway (e.g. Sleetmute), or a
community on an island (Stony River).

[Fair:]{.underline} The community has a barrier(s) that provides
thorough protection from fuels less than1 mile away in at least two
cardinal directions. Communities may have multiple barriers affecting a
rating. Examples are airstrips separating a community from significant
outside fuels, communities set amidst certain vegetation types or some
communities situated on major rivers (e.g. Red Devil).

[Poor:]{.underline} Any barriers that exist provide protection from
fuels less than1 mile away in fewer than two cardinal directions.
Examples of insignificant barriers are small streams or sloughs with
narrow riparian zones situated in the midst of highly flammable fuel
types.

+----------------------------------+------------+---------------------+
| Response Time                    | Risk       | Kind of Resource    |
|                                  |            |                     |
|                                  |            | (List kinds of      |
|                                  |            | resources available |
|                                  |            | for initial attack) |
+----------------------------------+------------+---------------------+
| Adequate initial attack          | High       |                     |
| resources are more than 75       |            |                     |
| minutes away and adequate        |            |                     |
| extended attack resources are    |            |                     |
| more than 12 hours away.         |            |                     |
+----------------------------------+------------+---------------------+
| Adequate initial attack          | Moderate   |                     |
| resources are 30-75 minutes away |            |                     |
| and adequate extended attack can |            |                     |
| be in place in 8-12 hours.       |            |                     |
+----------------------------------+------------+---------------------+
| Adequate initial attack          | Low        |                     |
| resources are less than 30       |            |                     |
| minutes away and adequate        |            |                     |
| extended attack can be in place  |            |                     |
| in less than 8 hours.            |            |                     |
+----------------------------------+------------+---------------------+

Fire Protection Resources Response Chart

**\***Adequate initial and extended attack forces are defined as the
minimum force necessary to stop the spread of a wildfire under 90^th^
percentile weather and fuels conditions. Calculating percentile weather
can be done by downloading RAWS data into FireFamilyPlus from
WIMS/KCFAST. Response times are based on resource location and
historical response times.

Community Firewise Rating for Defensible Space Overall Community
Assessment not individual Structures

+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| Alaska Firewise        | Excellent     | Fair         | Poor         |
| Standards              |               |              |              |
|                        | Over 65% of   | Between      | Less than    |
|                        | homesites and | 35-65% of    | 35% of       |
|                        | community     | homesites    | homesites    |
|                        | buildings     | and          | and          |
|                        | meet standard | community    | community    |
|                        |               | buildings    | buildings    |
|                        | Value =5      | meet         | meet         |
|                        |               | standard     | standard     |
|                        |               |              |              |
|                        |               | Value =3     | Value=1      |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| Landscaping            |               |              |              |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| Construction           |               |              |              |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| Water Supply           |               |              |              |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| Access                 |               |              |              |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| Clear of Flammables/   |               |              |              |
| Refuse/Debris          |               |              |              |
| (flammables stored     |               |              |              |
| properly & area        |               |              |              |
| cleared)               |               |              |              |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+
| ## Ratings Sums        |               |              |              |
+------------------------+---------------+--------------+--------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Total of Rating Sum / 25 x 100 = Community Firewise Rating            |
|                                                                       |
| Excellent greater than 65%, Fair 35-65%, Poor less than 35%           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Standards for Firewise Rating

[Landscaping:]{.underline} There is a clearing of flammable vegetation
at least 30 feet around the home for firefighting equipment: coniferous
brush and dead/overhanging branches are removed; trees are pruned 6-10
feet above the ground; lawn is mowed and watered regularly and ladder
fuels are removed from the yard; remaining trees are spaced at least 30'
apart at crowns; garden equipment( hoses and hand tools) are kept on the
property.

[Construction Guidelines:]{.underline} Home is made of fire-resistant or
non-combustible construction materials (especially important for
roofing); vents are covered with wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch; at
least two ground-level doors exist; at least two means of escape exist
in each room.

[Water Supply Guidelines:]{.underline} Home has a reliable water source,
3 to 4 sprinklers and enough hose to circle the home.

[Access Guidelines:]{.underline} Access roads are at least 2 lanes wide
and clearly marked; ample turnaround space exists for vehicles/fire
equipment.

[Clear of Flammables/Refuse/Debris Guidelines:]{.underline} Combustible
materials are not located in the yard or under decks or porches;
firewood is stored away (at least 30 feet) from the house; all debris or
refuse is picked up regularly.

## 3. Overall Assessment Rating of Risk/Hazard, Barriers, Fire Protection Resources, and Firewise 

**Overall Rating Chart**

  ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------
  **Category**                                   **Rating**

  Risk/Hazard                                    

  a\) inside community                           

  a\) outside community                          

  Barriers:                                      

  Fire Protection:                               

  Community Firewise Rating:                     
  ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------

> 4\. Other Contributing Factors to risk and mitigation of wildland fire
> \[List other factors not previously addressed or of a unique nature
> that may contribute to the risk of wildland fire or mitigate the risk
> from wildland fire.\]

**V. Wildland fire history**

**VI. Summary**

**VII. Maps:**

**VIII. Appendices:**

**The next step** \[The first element risk/hazard assessment should
provide the community with a greater understanding of the risk and
hazard associated with wildland fire. It should identify those resources
that are most at risk from wildland fire, what types of firefighting
resources that may or may not be available, and if structures and the
community are Firewise. To complete the CWPP elements two and three the
mitigation plan and monitoring plan should be completed. The Mitigation
plan will take the information from the assessment and with input from
the community members develop goals and objectives and treatments to
assist the community to become less at risk from loss due to wildland
fire. Attached is a template that will help in your guide development of
the mitigation plan. The third element (monitoring) reminds the
community to follow-up on treatments to determine if goals and
objectives where met and address periodic checks of the area to
determine maintenance needs of the treated area(s). \]

**Mitigation Plan**

Describe what measures the homeowners and community council might take
to lower the risk to the community. Obviously, Defensible Spac**e** is
the easiest element to mitigate.

**Executive Summary**

The Executive summary provides a succinct description of the community
and the findings of the WUI Community Assessment.

**Background**

The background provides specific information on the individual community
the plan addresses, the threat of wildland fire based on fire history,
fire behavior characteristics, and values to be protected. Summarize and
reference the Risk Assessment whenever possible to avoid duplication.

**Goals and Objectives**

This section identifies goals (broad statements of intent) and
objectives (specific actions that will move towards the desired
conditions of the goals) that were developed collaboratively. i.e.
return lands to condition class 1

**Strategic Plan/Desired Condition**

Succinctly describes the priority values to be protected as determined
in the assessment process and identifies strategies to achieve desired
conditions. Other topics to discuss here are: fuel reduction priorities,
priorities for reducing structural ignitability and identifying
protection capabilities, priorities for promoting community involvement
through education, information, and outreach, priorities for enhancing
local wood products-related industries (i.e. Biomass utilization) The
strategic plan may also include a phase in approach, of options and
implementation activities.

**Actions and Methodology (Tactical Plan)**

Describe the specific recommendations, projects and types of actions to
be employed to meet goals and objectives. Include such things as fuels
treatments, rural fire assistance, prevention, and public education, and
the methods by which they are carried out.

**Roles and Responsibilities**

Describes tasks and responsibilities and how they have been delegated,
as well as time frames for those accomplishments.

**Funding Guidelines**

Specifies how projects and activities may be funded

Include estimated cost for treatment

**Signatures**

Include whatever signatures are appropriate for the planning or
community unit (e.g. approvals, concurrence, adoption, etc.)

**Monitoring Plan**

After the treatments have been implemented monitoring should take place
to determine if they were effective in meeting the plan objectives.
Describe methods, standards and activities that are needed to monitor
the CWPP. These standards will be based on your planning unit or
community needs.