FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
Southern Marin Fire District Earns Statewide Fire Risk Reduction Community Recognition
Sausalito, CA — After a year-long application and review process, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District has been officially recognized by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as a 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community (FRRC). Southern Marin Fire District is among the first agencies in Marin County to earn this prestigious statewide designation, recognizing communities that have demonstrated best practices in local fire planning, wildfire mitigation, and community resilience.
The designation becomes effective July 1, 2026, when the official Fire Risk Reduction Community List is published by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. The designation applies to every physical address within the Southern Marin Fire Protection District.
The Fire Risk Reduction Community List was established to recognize cities, counties, fire districts, and other agencies that demonstrate leadership in wildfire preparedness through comprehensive planning, vegetation management, defensible space, home hardening, emergency preparedness, public education, and community engagement.
Southern Marin Fire District's recognition reflects years of investment in proactive wildfire mitigation programs, including complimentary home wildfire risk evaluations, seasonal defensible space inspections, vegetation management projects, fuel reduction efforts, evacuation planning, and public education initiatives developed in partnership with the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority and regional agencies.
“Earning this designation reflects years of collaboration between our firefighters, staff, partner agencies, and residents,” said Division Chief/Fire Marshal Fred Hilliard. “Wildfire resilience is built through sustained planning, mitigation, education, and community action. We're proud that Southern Marin has been recognized by the State as a leader in wildfire risk reduction, but our work continues every day.”
What This Means for Homeowners
Beginning July 1, California insurance companies are required to recognize a community's inclusion on the Fire Risk Reduction Community List when developing residential insurance rates under the California Department of Insurance's Sustainable Insurance Strategy. This designation may make homeowners throughout the Southern Marin Fire District eligible for insurance discounts or other rating considerations.
Additional guidance from the California Department of Insurance is expected in early July explaining exactly how insurers will apply the new requirements. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance company after July 1 to ask how the Fire Risk Reduction Community designation may affect their policy.
“This recognition is more than an award. It's a reflection of the work our community has done together to become more wildfire resilient,” said Preparedness and Education Coordinator Leah Curtis. “Every resident who creates defensible space, hardens their home, participates in Firewise, or takes part in preparedness programs helps make Southern Marin safer. We encourage homeowners to contact their insurance providers after July 1 to learn how this designation may benefit them.”
The new designation may also complement existing benefits available to residents living in recognized Firewise USA communities. Southern Marin Fire District will share additional information once the State clarifies how Fire Risk Reduction Community and Firewise USA designations will be reflected in insurance rates.
Residents can learn more about Firewise USA communities through Fire Safe Marin and view the official Fire Risk Reduction Community List beginning July 1 on the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection website.
Southern Marin Fire District encourages residents to continue participating in wildfire preparedness programs by maintaining defensible space, hardening homes against wildfire, signing up for AlertMarin emergency notifications, and taking advantage of the District's complimentary home wildfire risk evaluations and educational resources.
Together, these collective efforts continue to strengthen Southern Marin's resilience and create a safer, more fire-adapted community for everyone.
About Southern Marin Fire Protection District
The Southern Marin Fire Protection District provides all-hazards emergency response, wildfire prevention, emergency medical services, public education, and disaster preparedness for the communities of southern Marin County. Through regional partnerships, proactive vegetation management, and community engagement, the District is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment while building a more resilient future.
Media Contact:
Kim Huff, Communications Coordinator
Southern Marin Fire Protection District
khuff@smfd.org
