Wildfire Safety &

Disaster Preparedness

Lower Daytona & Lower Coronado Wildfire Safety Meeting – March 4 at 6pm

Join Ellwood Friends for a neighborhood conversation about wildfire preparedness. We’ll share information about Ellwood’s High Fire Severity designation and explore practical steps we can take together to protect our homes and strengthen neighborhood readiness. To RSVP, email melissa [@] legacyworksgroup.com

Wildfire Safety at Ellwood

Living alongside open space and coastal habitat is a gift — and it also means we share responsibility for reducing wildfire risk.

According to the latest fire hazard severity mapping by CAL FIRE and local fire authorities, areas adjacent to Ellwood are characterized by elevated wildfire hazard due to vegetation, terrain, and winds that can drive fire behavior. While official map viewers may not show every classification at high resolution, local fire professionals recognize that the wildland-urban interface here presents wildfire risk, making community preparedness especially important.

Ellwood Friends is working with neighbors to strengthen community preparedness. We are hosting neighborhood conversations to share ideas, discuss local risks, and explore practical steps we can take together to help protect our homes and increase readiness.

Wildfire resilience starts at the neighborhood level.

Communities that are connected — who know one another, communicate clearly, and plan ahead — are often better prepared during emergencies. In some areas, organized preparedness efforts may also help maintain or even reduce fire insurance costs over time.

What We’re Doing

At our upcoming meetings, we will:

  • Share information about Ellwood’s High Fire Severity classification

  • Discuss defensible space and home hardening strategies

  • Explore ways neighbors can coordinate communication and preparedness

  • Introduce Firewise USA

What is Firewise USA?

Firewise USA is a voluntary, resident-led framework that helps neighbors organize and take simple, effective steps to reduce wildfire risk around their homes and properties.

The program provides guidance on:

  • Creating defensible space

  • Reducing vegetation hazards

  • Improving home ignition resistance

  • Building a neighborhood action plan

Firewise communities across the country have demonstrated that small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference.

Why It Matters

Ellwood’s location at the wildland-urban interface means wildfire risk is part of our shared reality. Preparation is not about fear — it is about stewardship, responsibility, and care for one another.

Together, we can:

  • Protect homes and habitat

  • Strengthen communication during emergencies

  • Support vulnerable neighbors

  • Build long-term neighborhood resilience

Join the Conversation

We invite all Ellwood neighbors to participate. Whether you have lived here for decades or recently moved in, your voice and involvement matter.

Together, we can plan, prepare, and take meaningful steps to keep our neighborhood safe and resilient.