Body of News Release
Marin County, CA — The Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) continues to strengthen wildfire mitigation, public outreach, and emergency preparedness efforts across all corners of the County. With wildfires now threatening year-round because of the changing climate, the work serves as a reminder that everyone in Marin has a role to play in keeping communities safe.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, a reminder that reducing wildlife risk and strengthening community resilience takes year-round effort. While County Fire and its partners continue to expand operational readiness, it asks that the community do the same with their personal preparedness. MCFD Chief Jason Weber recently emphasized that cooperation during a Marin County Board of Supervisors meeting.
January wildfires in Southern California made history as some of the state’s most destructive, in what used to be the "off-season." This new reality demands a proactive and coordinated approach from both public agencies and community members.
Wildfire Prevention Is a Year-Round Job
From major vegetation management work to community defensible space and public education, Marin County is taking proactive steps to safeguard lives, homes, and environment:
Hazard Mapping: The recently released and locally adopted CAL FIRE’s updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps help guide Marin’s strategic planning and vegetation management based on areas most at risk.
Vegetation Management: MCFD’s Tamalpais Fire Crew and FIRE Foundry Fuels Crew work across Marin year-round, reducing wildfire risk in high-priority areas and supporting forest and ecosystem health.
Emergency Management: The Marin County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) partners with cities, towns, and special districts to implement mitigation projects under the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Community Preparedness: Through the recently adopted ReadyMarin program and in collaboration with nonprofit partners, the County continues to deliver accessible emergency preparedness training and resources for community members.
Take Action: What You Can Do Today
Wildfire safety is a shared responsibility. There are simple steps you can take now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at Emergency.MarinCounty.gov
- Create a family emergency plan with evacuation routes and key contacts
- Pack a Go Bag with essentials for each member of your household, including pets
- Connect with neighbors and support one another before, during, and after disasters
- Clear defensible space, starting with Zone 0 — the first 5 feet around your home
- Visit FireSafeMarin.org for easy-to-follow checklists, defensible space guidelines, and other resources.
Together, our individual actions build stronger, safer, and a more resilient Marin.