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The city's new Fire Risk Reduction Community designation recognizes years of wildfire mitigation efforts and requires insurers to consider those investments when setting rates.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The City of Redlands has been designated a 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, a state recognition that highlights the city's wildfire preparedness efforts and could benefit homeowners by requiring insurers to consider the city's verified wildfire mitigation efforts when setting rates.
The designation, which became effective this month, recognizes communities that meet or exceed California's standards for wildfire planning, mitigation and resilience. City officials said the recognition reflects years of work to implement Redlands' Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
The designation also carries potential insurance implications. Under California law, insurance companies must consider verified community wildfire mitigation efforts when developing rates. While homeowners' premiums continue to depend on factors such as individual property conditions and insurer underwriting practices, city officials said the designation may provide additional opportunities for residents to benefit from communitywide wildfire risk reduction.
Led by the Redlands Fire Department, the effort has involved collaboration with multiple city departments, CAL FIRE and the Redlands Conservancy.
About 30% of Redlands lies within state-designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, making wildfire preparedness a priority for the city. Residents can use CAL FIRE's interactive Fire Hazard Severity Zone map to search their address and determine whether their home is located within one of the designated hazard areas.
The designation comes as Redlands continues to strengthen wildfire preparedness through updated building standards, infrastructure improvements and new technology. Earlier this year, the city installed a second ALERTCalifornia wildfire detection camera at Redlands Municipal Airport, complementing an existing camera near Helen Court.
Last summer, the City Council adopted California's revised Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and approved new development standards for properties in the affected areas, including requirements for fire-resistant roofing, dual-pane windows and landscaping designed to reduce wildfire risk.
City officials have also completed vegetation clearance and defensible space improvements around critical infrastructure, including the Helen Court water tanks and the Tate Water Treatment Plant, both of which are now located within state-designated "Very High" fire hazard zones.
CAL FIRE recommends taking these steps to reduce the chance that wind-blown embers or flames could ignite your home:
Roof & Gutters
Create an ember-resistant zone
Protect vents
Upgrade vulnerable features
Maintain defensible space
Reduce combustible materials
Have a plan
Learn more and complete CAL FIRE's free Home Hardening Self-Assessment at: fire.ca.gov/home-hardening.
More information about wildfire preparedness is available on the City of Redlands website or by calling the Redlands Fire Department at (909) 798-7600.
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