The Oakland Firesafe Council (OFSC) is a non-profit organization and member of the California Fire Safe Council network. OFSC supports Oakland and Alameda County in reducing the risks of wildfire danger to people and property through our preparedness education, wildfire safety programs, materials and resources, advocacy, outreach and community building, and volunteer opportunities.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
OFSC September Meeting
17 Sep, 2025
Join us Wednesday from 7:00–8:30 PM online for OFSC’s monthly meeting. Board members, community advocates, and invited guests from agencies such as Oakland EMSD, OFD, and CAL Fire will discuss wildfire safety issues. This month’s featured presentation is by Veronika Cole, Emergency Planning Coordinator with Oakland’s EMSD, who will share details on the city’s 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. All Oakland and East Bay residents are welcome.
Home Hardening with Berkeley Fire Dept.
20 Sep, 2025
Join us Saturday from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library in Berkeley for a free, in-person workshop on protecting your home from wildfire. Experts from the Berkeley Fire Department and Diablo Firesafe Council’s Sheryl Drinkwater will cover home-hardening strategies and compliance requirements. You’ll also learn about tools available from the Tool Lending Library to help reduce wildfire risk.
East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC) Meeting
24 Sep, 2025
Join us Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at El Cerrito City Hall or online for the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC) meeting. Open to the public, these sessions bring together regional leaders and community members to discuss wildfire resilience across the East Bay. More details are available at EastBayWildfire.org.
OFSC October Meeting
15 Oct, 2025
Join us Wednesday from 7:00–8:30 PM online for OFSC’s monthly meeting. Board members, community advocates, and invited guests from agencies such as Oakland EMSD, OFD, and CAL Fire will discuss wildfire safety issues. Open forum time may follow. All Oakland and East Bay residents are welcome—stay tuned for details on this month’s special presentation.
AlCo D3 Emergency Preparedness Event
18 Oct, 2025
Come by on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the San Leandro Public Library for a free emergency preparedness event. With presentations, workshops, and a resource fair hosted by Alameda County partners, you’ll learn how to stay ready before disaster strikes. Free lunch is provided while supplies last, and the first 300 households completing all workshops will receive an emergency kit.
NEWS AND NOTES
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Oakland’s Grand View Firewise Community
David Lee, resident co-lead, had this to share about their group’s experience with becoming a Firewise USA® recognized site: The Grand View Firewise Community…
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Wildfire Preparedness Takes Center Stage in El Cerrito
By Wendy Goldsby, OFSC Board Member On August 16, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks hosted a Wildfire Preparedness event in El Cerrito — and Oakland Firesafe…
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Sacramento’s Zone 0 Hearing: Why the First Five Feet Sparked the Biggest Fire Debate Yet
By Christophe Marcant, OFSC Board Member On August 18th, the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection convened a hearing in Sacramento to receive public…
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Oakland’s Valley View Neighborhood is a Firewise USA® Recognized Site!
Kaycie Hopkins, resident lead, had this to share The Firewise Recognized Valley View neighborhood includes over 180 homes in Merriewood, extending the entire length…
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The Oakland Hills Remain a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone!
In February, CAL FIRE released drafts of new maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zones for 90 days of public comment.…
