Wildfire prevention: accreditation.

Senator Cabaldon's wildfire prevention legislation establishes a new accreditation system to recognize California communities, organizations, and homeowners that implement specific fire safety measures. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection would create and oversee this voluntary framework, which includes three distinct tiers of accreditation.

The accreditation system operates at multiple levels. Individual homeowners can obtain certificates by implementing home hardening and defensible space practices. Neighborhoods qualify for accreditation when they reach a designated percentage of certified homes. Fire safe councils become eligible for accreditation based on their implementation of broader protective measures like fuel breaks and vegetation management across larger geographic areas. Local governments can pursue accreditation by taking actions to promote wildfire prevention practices within their jurisdictions.

The Department must maintain a public database tracking participation in the accreditation program. This database will list counties that opt into the framework, display accreditation tiers achieved in different locations, and document the number of homeowner certificates awarded. The program adds to existing state wildfire prevention requirements but does not modify or replace current mandates for the Department's fire prevention and control duties.