A certificate showing that the Rancho Murieta Association remains a recognized FireWise Community is available at the RMA Building for residents who wish to submit it when renewing their homeowners’ insurance. Courtesy photo

RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - As part of an effort to keep the Rancho Murieta safer from wildfire and to help protect the community for the nonrenewal of homeowners’ insurance policies, the Rancho Murieta Association (RMA) has successfully renewed its status as a FireWise USA community.

Greg Pryor, who is president of the Rancho Murieta Regional Fire Safe Council, said he helped RMA General Manger Rod Hart draft a three-year action plan to obtain the renewal.  He also helped Kevin Hubred, the past general manager, with the initial application four years ago.

Pryor said the application addressed wildfire fuel reduction, home hardening, public education and emergency evacuation.

Residents can obtain a copy of the FireWise certificate at the RMA Building so they can submit it to their insurance companies.

The Firewise USA program is a voluntary program that helps communities reduce the risk of wildfires. The program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Pryor said he is continuing to work with Sacramento County Supervisors Sue Frost and Pat Hume to create a code or ordinance that requires the study of fire or flood-threatened areas. The goal would be to address infrastructure issues to save lives when sheltering in place wasn’t sufficient and an emergency evacuation was required.

Rancho Murieta was essentially isolated during the January 2023 storms because of flooded roads. Rancho Murieta also is the only urban area in the county located inside a  high-hazard fire area as designated by Cal Fire maps.