Who this toolkit is for

The Wildfire Readiness Toolkit is designed for mission‑driven organizations that own, operate or manage properties that may be exposed to wildfire risk, including:

• Houses of worship.
• Nonprofits and community organizations.
• Camps, retreat centers and outdoor ministries.
• Schools and educational facilities.
• Sports and outdoor recreation organizations.

Whether your organization is located in a high‑risk wildfire zone or an area where wildfire exposure is emerging, these resources are adaptable to organizations of different sizes, regions and operational needs.

Why wildfire readiness matters

Wildfires can escalate quickly and cause widespread damage — often with little warning. Without proactive planning, organizations may face:

• Damage or loss of buildings and equipment.
• Disruption to programs and services.
• Safety risks to staff, volunteers and visitors.
• Long‑term financial and operational strain.

Effective wildfire readiness can help organizations:

• Reduce exposure through property and landscape management.
• Improve decision‑making before and during wildfire events.
• Enhance communication and coordination in emergencies.
• Support faster, more orderly recovery after an incident.

Readiness is not a one‑time task — it’s an ongoing process that evolves as conditions, facilities and operations change.

What’s included in the Wildfire Readiness Toolkit

This toolkit includes action‑oriented resources that work together to support planning, prevention and response.

10 Essentials of Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention

This foundational resource outlines 10 key areas organizations should address to strengthen wildfire preparedness and reduce risk. The essentials provide a clear framework to help organizations:

• Understand wildfire exposure and environmental risk factors.
• Improve property maintenance and defensible space practices.
• Clarify emergency roles, communication and decision‑making.
• Support preparedness through training, planning and documentation.

Together, these essentials offer a practical starting point for building or refining a comprehensive wildfire readiness approach.

Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention Assessment

The assessment helps organizations evaluate their current wildfire preparedness and prevention practices. By answering a series of focused questions, organizations can:

• Identify strengths and gaps in preparedness efforts.
• Assess property conditions, planning and response readiness.
• Prioritize next steps based on their operations and risk profile.

The assessment is intended to support reflection and improvement — not judgment — and can be revisited as conditions or facilities change.

Wildfire Preparedness Tabletop Exercise

The tabletop exercise guides teams through a realistic wildfire scenario in a facilitated, discussion‑based format. It is designed to help organizations:

• Test preparedness plans in a low‑risk environment.
• Clarify leadership roles and responsibilities.
• Identify communication or coordination challenges.
• Strengthen confidence before a real‑world event occurs.

Tabletop exercises help turn written plans into actionable readiness.

Wildfire Preparedness Exercise Evaluation

The exercise evaluation tool helps organizations reflect on lessons learned after completing the tabletop exercise. It supports teams in:

• Documenting observations and key takeaways.
• Identifying areas for improvement.
• Making informed updates to plans, policies and procedures.
• Tracking progress over time.

Using the evaluation tool helps reinforce preparedness as an ongoing process rather than a one‑time activity.

How can organizations use the Wildfire Readiness Toolkit?

Organizations may be at different stages of wildfire preparedness. This toolkit can help:

• Review existing emergency and evacuation plans.
• Guide leadership conversations around wildfire exposure.
• Support maintenance planning and budgeting discussions.
• Strengthen staff training and emergency preparedness efforts.

Whether you’re building a wildfire plan from the ground up or refining current practices, the toolkit offers a structured and practical path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this toolkit only for organizations in high‑risk wildfire areas?

No. While especially relevant for organizations in wildfire‑prone regions, this toolkit can also support organizations in areas where wildfire risk may be emerging due to climate or land‑use changes.

2. Does the toolkit replace emergency planning requirements or training?

No. The toolkit is designed to complement — not replace — emergency plans, safety training and local response coordination.

3. How often should wildfire readiness plans be reviewed?

Plans should be reviewed regularly, especially seasonally, after facility changes, or following a wildfire or near‑miss event.

Why download the Wildfire Readiness Toolkit?

The Wildfire Readiness Toolkit helps organizations move from awareness to action. By downloading the full toolkit, you can:

• Access practical, wildfire‑focused guidance.
• Evaluate current readiness using structured tools.
• Identify realistic steps to strengthen preparedness.
• Support safer, more resilient operations year‑round.

Having clear, usable resources can help make wildfire readiness more manageable — and more effective.