FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desert Region Fire Safe (DRFS)?
Desert Region Fire Safe (DRFS) is the wildfire prevention and mitigation initiative of the High Desert Emergency Action Alliance (HDEAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. DRFS works with residents, fire agencies, community organizations, and government partners to reduce wildfire risks, promote fire-safe practices, and strengthen community resilience throughout the Morongo Basin and surrounding Inland Empire communities.
What is the mission of DRFS?
Our mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment by advancing wildfire prevention, community education, and collaborative mitigation efforts. We empower residents to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks while strengthening partnerships that help communities prepare for and recover from wildfires.
What areas does DRFS serve?
DRFS primarily serves the Morongo Basin and surrounding desert communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Our regional partnerships and grant-funded initiatives also support wildfire prevention and disaster preparedness activities across the greater Inland Empire and other parts of Southern California.
Is DRFS a government agency or fire department?
No. DRFS is a nonprofit initiative operated by HDEAA and is not a city, county, state, or federal agency. We collaborate with fire departments, emergency management agencies, and other public safety partners, but we do not replace the responsibilities or authority of local fire agencies.
What services does DRFS provide?
Our wildfire prevention and community resilience programs include:
Defensible space education and property assessments
Home hardening and Zone 0 guidance
Wildfire prevention workshops and community outreach
Firewise USA community development and support
Fire Safe Council coordination and community partnerships
Vegetation management and wildfire mitigation initiatives
Emergency preparedness education and resources
Program availability and eligibility may vary by location, funding, and project requirements.
Are defensible space assessments free?
DRFS offers no-cost residential defensible space assessments through eligible programs and funded initiatives. Assessments help homeowners identify wildfire vulnerabilities and understand practical steps they can take to improve the safety of their property.
Availability depends on geographic eligibility, program funding, and scheduling.
What happens during a defensible space assessment?
A trained assessor evaluates conditions around your home, including vegetation, combustible materials, access, and other factors that may increase wildfire exposure. You'll receive educational guidance and recommendations based on California defensible space requirements and established wildfire mitigation practices.
Our assessments are intended to help residents make informed improvements. They are educational, not regulatory inspections, and DRFS does not issue citations or enforce fire codes.
What is Zone 0, and why is it important?
Zone 0 refers to the first five feet surrounding a structure, including attached decks and other vulnerable areas. This area is particularly important because embers can ignite combustible materials close to a building during a wildfire.
Creating an ember-resistant Zone 0 may involve removing combustible vegetation, relocating firewood and other flammable items, and replacing vulnerable landscaping materials with noncombustible alternatives.
DRFS provides education and guidance to help residents understand and implement these protective measures.
What is Firewise USA, and can our neighborhood participate?
Firewise USA is a national recognition program administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that helps communities organize and take collective action to reduce wildfire risks.
DRFS works with interested neighborhoods to support community organizing, wildfire risk assessments, education, and the development of local mitigation plans. Communities that meet program requirements may apply for Firewise USA recognition.
Does DRFS provide vegetation removal or defensible space work?
DRFS supports wildfire mitigation projects, including vegetation management and defensible space improvements, through available programs, grants, and partnerships.
Direct assistance may be available to eligible properties depending on current funding and project requirements. Not every property or community will qualify for funded services.
Do I need special qualifications to volunteer?
No. Many of our volunteer opportunities do not require previous firefighting or emergency response experience.
Volunteers can assist with community outreach, public education, events, administrative support, and wildfire prevention initiatives. Certain field assignments or specialized activities may require additional training, certifications, or safety qualifications.
We welcome residents, students, professionals, and community members who want to make a meaningful difference.
What is Fire Corps?
Fire Corps is a national initiative that encourages community volunteers to support fire and emergency service organizations through prevention, education, preparedness, and other approved activities.
DRFS is developing a local Fire Corps program to expand volunteer participation in community fire safety and resilience initiatives. Volunteer assignments will depend on program development, training, qualifications, and applicable operational requirements.
Can businesses and community organizations get involved?
Absolutely. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, and community groups can support our work through sponsorships, volunteer participation, educational partnerships, donations, and collaborative projects.
We encourage organizations interested in wildfire prevention and community resilience to contact us about opportunities to work together.
How is DRFS funded?
DRFS operates through HDEAA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and relies on a combination of grants, charitable contributions, sponsorships, and community partnerships to support its programs.
Funding helps provide educational resources, community training, wildfire mitigation services, and other initiatives that may otherwise be unavailable or financially out of reach for residents.
Are donations tax-deductible?
HDEAA is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations supporting HDEAA and DRFS are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
Can DRFS help our neighborhood organize a wildfire preparedness program?
Yes. DRFS works with neighborhoods, community associations, and local partners interested in organizing wildfire preparedness activities, developing Firewise USA communities, or coordinating local mitigation projects.
We can provide guidance on community organizing, educational resources, risk reduction priorities, and available partnership opportunities.
Does DRFS respond to wildfires or other emergencies?
DRFS primarily focuses on wildfire prevention, mitigation, and community preparedness. We also work to develop supplemental volunteer and community support capabilities in coordination with public safety partners.
DRFS is not a substitute for your local fire department or emergency services. In an emergency, always call 911.