Wildfire Adapted Sonoma County

There are 14 project areas in the Wildfire Adapted project. These areas were selected based on wildfire hazard severity, population density, potential for home loss, consultation with local fire authorities, and other factors. The Wildfire Adapted project is just one effort to reduce the risk of wildfire. You can learn more about our other Risk Reduction Resources and Planning Efforts.

Click here to view a GIS MAP of project area

The Sonoma County Wildfire Adapted project was a pilot project that used community-scale risk reduction techniques to reduce wildfire’s potential for home destruction.

Vegetation and other fuels near structures can increase the risk of fire spreading. Embers and heat from a wildfire can exploit building vulnerabilities. The Wildfire Adapted project helps residents in pre-determined, high risk areas understand how to create defensible space and harden homes against the heat, embers, and direct flame of wildfire.   

To stay up-to-date on the latest information for the project, sign up to receive email updates

On this page:

• Wildfire Adapted Project Areas 
• Adapt Your Home - What Does the Wildfire Adapted Project Do?
• Phase 1: Assessments
• Phase 2: Implementation
• Contact Information

Phase 1: Defensible Space and Home Hardening Assessments

Assessments identify risk reduction strategies on and near your home and are not part of a code enforcement program.

• Home Wildfire Risk Assessment
  Home hardening means replacing or modifying parts of buildings and their attachments (decks, stairs, porches, etc.) that can cause them to catch fire, especially from windblown embers. After each assessment, our trained professionals provide a list of potential vulnerabilities and what actions or work can be done to reduce risk. These assessments are not part of a code compliance program. 
  
  
• Defensible Space Assessments
  SoCo Adapts professional fire inspectors go to properties (developed and undeveloped) in the project area to provide a no cost defensible space  assessment of vegetation and combustible material within 100 feet of buildings and within 10ft of roadways. These assessments provide information on essential vegetation management and risk reduction techniques that can help reduce home ignition. The goal of the project is to inspire residents toward positive action to reduce vulnerabilities.

Phase 2: Implementation (Discontinued)

Due to changing priorities and restructuring in the federal programs, the County’s HMGP grants (Wildfire Adapted and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project) have experienced significant delays in awarding and releasing implementation funding. Given this uncertain environment, Permit Sonoma is discontinuing FEMA-funded wildfire resiliency grant activities as of September 30, 2026. The County will monitor changes closely, complete remaining grant obligations, advance wildfire risk planning and partnerships where possible, and notify the public and partners of changes to the grants.

Sonoma County's recent experience with wildfires and increasing concerns about the availability and cost of homeowner’s insurance are significantly increasing pressure on residents to take action to reduce risk. The Wildfire Adapted program aimed to provide guidance, identify constraints, and identify options to help property owners reduce wildfire risk. Wildfire risk reduction is our shared responsibility, we encourage residents to take small actions for big protection.

Wildfire resilience is a team sport. SoCo Adapts works side-by-side with local fire districts, CAL FIRE, local Fire Districts, FEMA, Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal OES, and other trusted organziations to bring cutting-edge science, training, and resources to Sonoma County. Their expertise amplifies our grant programs - turning best practices into on-the-ground action that aims to protect homes, property and future generations. 

For more information and/or questions about the Wildfire Adapted project, email us at WildfireAdapted@sonomacounty.org or call us at (707) 565-8575.