City of Riverside Named Fire Risk Reduction Community

Published: 7/7/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 7, 2026

Contact:

Phil Pitchford

Public Information Officer

951-826-5975

[email protected]

City of Riverside Named Fire Risk Reduction Community

Designation will help Riverside's efforts to receive grants to improve fire safety

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The City of Riverside has been named a Fire Risk Reduction Community by the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection in recognition of the Riverside Fire Department's embrace of best practices for local fire planning.

"This recognition reflects that the city is actively addressing wildfire risk through land-use planning, prevention strategies, and safe development practices," Fire Chief Steve McKinster said. ""Together, these steps demonstrate that we continue to make strides as a department by strengthening our preparedness for wildfire."

The designation is expected to help Riverside receive priority in future applications for CalFire Wildfire Prevention Grants, which pay for projects in or near fire-threatened communities to improve public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The grants are designed to fund projects that protect people, structures and communities, including vegetation clearance, creating fuel breaks or initiating green waste programs. Other options include wildfire risk mapping and the creation of strategic fire planning documents, outreach programs and educational materials.

"This designation helps make our community safer and will bring much-needed resources to Riverside," Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. "We know that fire season is year-round now, which means we need to be prepared year-round. We are fortunate to have one of the best fire departments in the country to help us stay safe in this new reality."

The Fire Risk Reduction designation may offer insurance-related benefits. Under the California Department of Insurance "Safer from Wildfires" regulations, insurers must reflect a structure's location within a Fire Risk Reduction Community in their rating plans. Property owners can use the Board's Fire Risk Reduction Community list for supporting documents to work directly with their insurance carrier to understand how the Fire Risk Reduction Community designation might impact their coverage or premiums.

The designation, which lasts for two years, was announced recently by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, which develops forest policy, guides the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and protects California's non-federal forest and wildland resources.

More information can be found at: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/