Redlands expands spring wildfire mitigation efforts

REDLANDS, Calif. — The city of Redlands is expanding its spring wildfire mitigation efforts in 2026, adding new fuel reduction work, partnerships and technology as part of its Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

City officials said the program is aimed at improving preparedness in a community where roughly 30% of the city lies within state-designated fire hazard severity zones.

The effort includes increased coordination with CAL FIRE crews to conduct targeted vegetation clearing in high-risk areas, along with expanded partnerships with agencies and nonprofits.

The Redlands Fire Department is working with Southern California Edison on vegetation management related to power infrastructure and with the Redlands Conservancy to support mitigation efforts in open space areas. Additional partnerships include projects with Team Rubicon and the American Red Cross.

Officials said the city will continue promoting programs such as Firewise and Ready, Set, Go! to encourage residents to create defensible space and prepare for emergencies. Community chipping events and emergency alert systems are also part of the strategy.

The city is also using technology to support the program, including Esri ArcGIS tools to map high-risk areas and track mitigation work, and ALERTCalifornia cameras to monitor fire-prone areas in real time. One camera was installed in the Helen Court area in Redlands in 2024, with another planned for the Redlands Municipal Airport later this year.

Community Forward Redlands previously reported on updated state fire hazard maps showing increased risk in parts of the city, as well as ongoing investments in fire infrastructure and preparedness efforts.

Read more:

New Cal Fire maps show increased wildfire risk in Redlands; Fire Department says it was ready

New Cal Fire map shows increased risk in North Redlands and critical infrastructure sites, but officials say proactive work has been underway for years.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

Redlands continues fire infrastructure upgrades as new hazard zones take effect

The fire department is also working with state insurance regulators to ensure local mitigation efforts are reflected in future coverage models.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

Residents can find more information about wildfire preparedness programs on the city of Redlands website or by contacting the Redlands Fire Department at (909) 798-7600.