The size and intensity of wildfires is rapidly increasing in western region. In California, each year holds new records of the worst fire season on record. In 2019 the record was broken for most acres burned at 52,695, yet in 2020 we are entering fire season having already had 1.435,639 acres burn, with 2,500 more fires than the record last year. Producers faced severe property, crop, livestock, labor, health and market losses.
Our project aimed to reduce the human, production, financial and legal risks of famers to wildfires. Through the online course, participants were given actionable solutions and practical ways to increase fire resilience. The largest result of this program was the creation of fire response and prevention networks. These networks consisted of 260 farmers in Yolo, Sonoma, Butte, Salinas, Contra Costa and Mendocino Counties. Our online learning platform aggregated research and risk management strategies in a format that created collaboration and self-assessment. 85 participants utilized a 10 week online course which included 50 videos, 7 modules and 7 live webinars. Through assignments, in-person meetings, online evaluations, written action plans, and vulnerability assessments, our participants increased understanding of how they can lower their risk of wildfires and increased their response-capacity.