City launches enhanced spring wildfire mitigation program

The City of Redlands is strengthening wildfire preparedness and community safety through expanded implementation of its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, including new 2026 spring program initiatives focused on proactive vegetation mitigation and regional collaboration. A key to the ongoing success is collaboration between the City’s departments including the Redlands Fire Department, Development Services, Facilities and Community Services and Municipal Utilities and Engineering.

With roughly 30 percent of Redlands located in fire hazard severity zones identified by the State, the City is prioritizing wildfire preparedness and mitigation efforts. Staff have broadened the citywide collaborative approach to include additional coordination, strengthened partnerships and deeper community engagement.

Expanded 2026 Spring Mitigation Program and partnerships

The Redlands Fire Department maintains strong working relationships with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and other partner agencies through mutual aid agreements and coordinated pre‑fire planning. The Wildland Fire Protection Agreement encompassing nearly 6,000 acres improves rapid response capability and unified operations during wildfire incidents.

This year’s spring program introduces increased coordination with CAL FIRE crews to conduct targeted fuel reduction and hazard mitigation in high‑risk areas. These joint operations enhance capacity for clearing overgrown vegetation, improving access routes and supporting fire‑resilient landscapes.

RFD is also advancing new and ongoing partnerships with Southern California Edison to support infrastructure‑related vegetation management and grid safety, as well as with the Redlands Conservancy to align mitigation and habitat stewardship efforts across local open spaces and trail systems. The department has also expanded its collaboration with non-profit organizations to include projects with Team Rubicon and the American Red Cross.

Empowering a fire‑adapted community

Recognizing that effective wildfire preparedness requires community involvement, the City continues to invest in education and outreach promoting home hardening, defensible space, and emergency preparedness. Programs such as Firewise, Ready-Set-Go, and emergency alert systems help residents take active steps to protect their homes and neighborhoods.

Additional initiatives by Redlands Fire Department include hosting community chipping events, as well as applying for the Fire Risk Reduction Community Designation by CAL FIRE.

Leveraging state-of-the-art technology

The Redlands Fire Department is also leveraging advanced technology platforms, including Esri ArcGIS and ALERTCalifornia, to enhance planning and situational awareness throughout the 2026 spring wildfire mitigation program. ArcGIS tools allow fire personnel to map high‑risk areas, track fuel‑reduction progress, and analyze real‑time conditions to prioritize mitigation work more effectively.

Through ALERTCalifornia’s network of high‑definition wildfire cameras and environmental sensors, RFD gains improved situational awareness capabilities and live monitoring of fire‑prone areas, supporting rapid decision‑making and coordinated response. The first camera unit for Redlands was established in the Helen Court area in November 2024, and a second unit is planned at the Redlands Municipal Airport later this year. Together, these technologies strengthen the City’s ability to manage risk, deploy resources strategically and protect the community.

A shared responsibility

Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. Through strong partnerships, proactive planning and community engagement, including new collaborations launched this spring, the City continues to build a safer, more resilient community.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed, maintain defensible space around their homes, and participate in local preparedness programs.

For more information on wildfire preparedness programs and resources, visit the City of Redlands website or contact the Redlands Fire Department at (909) 798-7600.