Welcome to
Redtail Ridge Firewise Community
Adapting to life in the Wildland Urban Interface
Redtail Ridge Firewise Community includes 131 households in the unincorporated town of Kensington, California.
Our Community covers approximately one-third of Kensington's Wildland Urban Interface, with East Bay Regional Park along its eastern edge. Living in a designated "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone," it's critical that we take action to reduce our wildfire risk, as individuals and as a community.
Volunteers formed Redtail Ridge to encourage and support this effort. We look forward to providing access to experts, mitigation resources, and vetted information on wildfire readiness.
Home ignition zone diagram from FirewiseUSA. Image copyright National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Being Firewise
If you live within our boundaries, you're already Firewise! You're welcome to attend our events, volunteer for projects, and get support for your mitigation efforts. The decision on how and when to mitigate your property is up to you.
Being Firewise does require a shift in thinking for most of us, so if you're unfamiliar with its principles and recommendations, here are some links to get you started.
Wildfire Guide from IBHS -- a comprehensive guide, from the organization that researches fire behavior and shapes Firewise recommendations.
Preparing your home for wildfire -- NFPA's Firewise recommendations for your home ignition zone.
An early wildfire 'post-mortem' by Jack Cohen, the fire scientist who shifted the industry focus from preventing wildfires to preventing home ignition. An older but still relevant video.
Events & Opportunities
Home Wildfire Evaluation
We're still on! Today at 10am
- Meet us front of 241 Lake Drive -
(dress for the weather, we'll be outdoors)
El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Marshal, Chase Beckman will evaluate a neighbor's property. He'll discuss zone zero and defensible space, and answer questions about current and future regulations/inspections.
Redtail Gathering
Details coming soon!
- May -
Everyone's invited to our first May mixer for Wildfire Awareness Week/Month. Meet your Redtail neighbors and volunteers, and check out the vegetation thinning that's being done along the ridge by EBRParks.
Above: the guts of a Redtail Ridge juniper hedge, revealed... yikes.
Vegetation Removal Grants Awarded!
The pilot program was a great success with over $80k in grant money awarded, and *tons* of vegetation scheduled for removal. For those of you who missed out, the Fire Board plans to offer this program again. We'll keep you posted.
If you applied for the grant and haven't received an email from Kfire, send a message to prepare@kensingtonfire.org
Chipping Events
- Year Round -
Firewise Communities can organize free chipping services for their neighborhood through Contra Costa County's Measure X program. Write to us at redtailridgefirewise@gmail.com to discuss how this program could work for you and your block.
Home Hardening
Details to come
- April or May -
Learn "Five Easy Actions" for home hardening, including some do-it-yourself projects. Hear first-hand from architect and wildfire expert, Sheryl Drinkwater. We'll have samples of ignition-resistant materials, and plenty of time to ask questions and talk with others planning improvements to their homes.
Taking Action
Start now
There are steps you can take to increase your fire-readiness and reduce your risk. We'll be adding more information on specific topics like evacuation, home hardening, defensible space, and local wildfire assistance programs.
Meanwhile, here are lists with actions that could make a difference.
Ready for Wildfire -- CalFire website covering a full range of topics.
Last Minute Steps to Protect Your Home -- Fire Safe Marin video & checklist.
How to stay informed in an emergency -- Kensington Fire recommendations.
Wildfire Prepared -- IBHS self-certification program, used by some insurers.
Report your activity
Each of your Firewise actions make our neighborhood more resilient. They also help us maintain our annual recognition with FirewiseUSA.
Simply track the time and money you spend on Firewise activities, snap a picture of your list and send it to redtailridgefirewise@gmail.com. We add your numbers to our annual tally. Your personal details are never recorded or shared.
Sign up for Redtail updates
We keep you up to date on Redtail events, community preparedness news, regional & local wildfire regulations, grant opportunities and more.
You'll still receive your neighborhood block emails with news that pertains to your closest neighbors.