Click here for the entire media release en español
VENTURA — The Ventura Fire Department, in partnership with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, has drafted its first Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to help shape the final plan through public workshops and an online questionnaire.
The draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan focuses on two primary goals: identifying and prioritizing local fuel reduction efforts and recommending actions that reduce the risk of homes and structures igniting during a wildfire.
“As wildfire risks continue to grow, planning and prevention are more important than ever,” said Interim Fire Chief Kris McDonald. “This draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan reflects both data and local experience, but it is strongest when the community helps guide it. We encourage residents to review the plan, attend a workshop, and share their perspectives so we can truly meet Ventura’s needs.”
Community members are invited to attend one of two public workshops to learn more about the draft plan and provide input:
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Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
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Community Meeting Room, City Hall
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501 Poli Street
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Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
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Ventura Fire Department Headquarters
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1425 Dowell Drive
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In addition to the workshops, the Ventura Fire Department encourages participation in the CWPP Questionnaire, a short feedback form available in both English and Spanish. Designed to take less than five minutes, the questionnaire allows participants to share their views on wildfire risk, prevention priorities, and actions the community can take to reduce risk.
The questionnaire is open through Friday, February 27, 2026, and feedback gathered through both the workshops and online will help inform revisions before the plan moves forward in the adoption process.
“The success of a plan like this relies on meaningful community involvement,” said Stephen Watson, Executive Director of the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council. “Local knowledge helps ensure the plan reflects real-world conditions and concerns, and that the strategies we recommend are practical, effective, and supported.”
A CWPP is a community-driven document developed for areas at risk of wildfire. It is created collaboratively with residents, fire agencies, local government, and other partners to identify wildfire risks and prioritize strategies to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure, particularly in areas where neighborhoods meet wildland areas, known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI). CWPPs can help provide additional access to funding by demonstrating the importance of wildfire resilience projects.
For more information about the draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan, workshop details, and the community questionnaire, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CWPP.