Fire, Wildfire & Sprawl

Fire and wildfire is the largest single cause of property loss in the nation. Over the past ten years, fire has caused $120 billion in direct damages and much more in indirect losses. Each year building fires injure more than 20,000 Americans and another 3,000 die in building fires.

Sprawl and other forms of poorly planned growth can impact a community's ability to prevent fires in two principle ways. First, by placing homes, businesses, and other structures in fire-prone areas without adequate protection measures. Second, by stretching fire protection capabilities beyond reasonable limits.

We can help you determine if proposed development will cause either adverse effect. This help comes in three forms.

First, further detail on the fire-related implications of development can be found in Part I of our 280-page book which can be downloaded free by clicking on the following title: How To Win Land Development Issues: A Citizens Guide To Preserving & Enhancing Quality of Life in Developing Areas.

Second, call us at 1-800-773-4571 to discuss your concerns free of charge by phone.

Third, we can tell you what it would cost to have one of our fire protection experts assess the impact of the project of concern to you. We can also take a look at the adequacy of existing laws in your community to prevent growth from unduly straining fire protection services.

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Our Mission: To help citizens win Smart Growth victories.