Alder Creek Firesafe Council Leads Sequoia Crest to Firewise USA® Community Recognition

The Sequoia Crest community, led by local residents through the Alder Creek Firesafe Council, has officially been recognized as a Firewise USA® Community. Announced on August 15, 2025, by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)®, this designation makes Alder Creek the third Firewise Community in Tulare County, joining Badger (recognized August 23, 2024) and Upper Tule—which encompasses Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Coy Flat, Cedar Slope, Rogers Camp, Ponderosa, and Doyle Springs (recognized April 30, 2025).

“The Sequoia Crest community, through the Alder Creek Firesafe Council, has demonstrated real leadership and responsibility in achieving Firewise USA® recognition,” said Supervisor Townsend, Tulare County Board of Supervisors, District 5. “This designation is a testament to their commitment to protecting their homes, their families, and the unique character of our mountain communities. Their example reminds us that lasting resilience starts with strong local action.”

Firewise USA®, supported by CalFire, helps neighborhoods reduce wildfire risks through education, collaboration, and long-term planning. With guidance from the Tulare County Forest Health Coordinator, Doreen Alvez, Sequoia Crest residents completed a risk assessment and three-year action plan focused on wildfire preparedness and fuel reduction.

Participation in Firewise USA® is free and open to all communities committed to reducing wildfire risk. Benefits of becoming a Firewise Community include:

•      A structured framework for community-wide wildfire preparedness.
•      Improved communication between residents and fire mitigation partners.
•      Potential insurance discounts, as some carriers recognize Firewise Communities (discounts are not guaranteed and are not administered by NFPA/Firewise USA®).

Having successfully earned Firewise recognition, the Alder Creek Firesafe Council—led by local residents of Sequoia Crest—is now advancing the next steps in their action plan to strengthen wildfire safety and community resilience.