National Fire Plan-Wildland Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance

Support the implementation of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and assist at-risk communities from catastrophic wildfires, this initiative provides assistance in the following areas: development and enhancement of local programs focused on risk assessment, planning, training, mitigation activities, and community and homeowner education; planning and execution of fuels management reduction activities aimed at reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires to communities and natural resources in high-risk areas, including associated monitoring and maintenance efforts on federal and adjacent non-federal land; increasing employment opportunities for local and small businesses in rural communities; and delivering education and training to improve the fire protection capabilities and knowledge of rural fire districts. Additionally, authorized restoration services under this section may be provided. All federal land within timber sale projects conducted under this authority shall be included. Projects that include a cost-sharing component or in-kind services will be prioritized for selection. Planning and implementation of fuels management reduction activities aimed at mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfire to communities and natural resources in high risk areas, including associated monitoring or maintenance, on federal land and/or on adjacent nonfederal land;
Enhancement of local and small business employment opportunities for rural communities; and providing education and training focused on increasing knowledge and fire protection capability of rural fire districts. Projects that include a cost-share or service in-kind contribution will have priority for selection.

State and local governments and communities at risk and communities of interest, as published in the Federal Register/Vol. 66, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2001 or updated Governor-signed list, Indian Tribes, private land owners, public and private education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that manage lands. All selectees must be identified as significant to FWS, deemed by a cooperative agreement, memorandum of understanding, and/or part of an interagency agreement that serves as a clearinghouse for HFR assistance monies. For mitigation activities (projects that are removing hazardous fuels) all work funded must be identified from a signed CWPP or CWPP/E or will be signed by expected funding date.

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Wildland Urban Interface community projects are reviewed at the regional level and funding recommendations are made through each regions annual work plan. Final budget approvals rest with the Regional Fire Management Coordinator.

The approval time for financial assistance applications varies depending on the Region, type and complexity of the project, funding levels, and expertise availability.