Firewise is a National program, adopted by Minnesota & Cook County. Firewise encourages local solutions and fuels reduction for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from wildfire risks.
Watch Oshkigin Spirit of Fire, a short film highlighting the deep, reciprocal relationship between Native Americans and the land along with the role fire plays in that relationship.
How can you become Firewise?
1. Become Educated.
- Read the Cook County Firewise Brochure
- Driveway Access for Emergency Vehicles
- Be Ember Aware
- Become a part of the Firewise USA Recognition Program
- Read the 2018 Firewise Action Report
- Watch the Backyard Wildfire Resiliency Webinar Recording
2. Reduce the risk of ignition to your home and property.
- Watch the Firewise Property Care Video
- Make Your Home Firewise
- 50 Things You Can do to Protect Your Property
- Request a free Firewise assessment of your property contact: firewise@co.cook.mn.us
- Conduct a home self assessment with the Home Self Assessment App
- Brush Removal Contractors in Our Area
- Creating an Effective Survivable Space
- Grants for Homeowners and Communities
- Protect Your Business
- How to Prepare your Home for Wildfires
- FEMA Sprinkler System Maintenance & Defensible Space Requirements
3. Stay informed.
- Register for CodeRED and Download CodeRED: Cook County’s Emergency Notification App.
- Follow WTIP and Boreal.
Brush Disposal and Burn Permits
*Always obtain a burning permit when required before starting planned fires*