HOA becomes First Firewise USA site in Green Valley
In a groundbreaking development, an HOA in Green Valley, AZ, has secured its place in history by becoming the very first local homeowners association to achieve certification as a Firewise USA site. The momentous feat was initiated by a dedicated group of residents who were already familiar with the Firewise program through their volunteer work with the GVFD (Green Valley Fire Department). Becoming a Firewise USA site is no small task; it requires immense dedication, meticulous planning, and relentless effort from a committed team of volunteers within the community. Becoming a Firewise USA site requires significant effort and strategic planning by a committed group of volunteers within each community. An HOA must first complete a comprehensive wildfire risk assessment of their community with the guidance of a local wildfire expert. The community must then formulate a meticulous three-year action plan that prioritizes crucial steps to reduce the risk of ignition to homes. After becoming certified, each neighbor is expected to annually dedicate at least one volunteer hour per dwelling unit to wildfire risk reduction and is required to complete educational and risk reduction actions outlined in the three-year plan. With this commendable achievement, the Green Valley HOA joins a select group of approximately 125 Firewise communities in Arizona, with about 20 of them located in Southern Arizona. With more communities and homeowners’ associations showing interest in the Firewise program, the state's landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation in wildfire preparedness and prevention. Green Valley's pioneering achievement sets a shining example, instilling hope for a safer and more resilient Arizona in the face of future wildfire challenges.