Wildfire is a constant and growing threat in Southern California, but it doesn’t have to define our future. At IECF, we are dedicated to efforts that protect our communities, landscapes, and families from the devastation fire can bring. The start of September brought two important gatherings right here in the Inland Empire, each focused on prevention and resilience.
Southern California Ignition Reduction Program (SCIRP) – September 3
SCIRP signing
On September 3, partners from across Southern California came together in Moreno Valley to sign the Southern California Ignition Reduction Program (SCIRP) Charter. This commitment aims to reduce roadside ignitions, one of the leading causes of wildfires in our region.
David Hernandez, IECF’s Regional Forest & Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program Coordinator, spoke to the importance of the charter:
“The IECF RFFC program is honored to stand with our partners in this vital effort. By aligning our resources and expertise, we are taking a significant step toward protecting our communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure from the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires.”
This work reflects our commitment to the Vital Condition of a Thriving Natural World. A healthy environment includes the forests, rivers, and open spaces that shape our region, and it touches daily life in practical ways. It supports clean air, safe drinking water, and cooler neighborhoods during periods of extreme heat. It lowers the risk of wildfire near our homes and gives families confidence that the places they cherish will endure. Caring for the land is part of caring for people, and that’s why resilience efforts matter for every Inland Empire community.
California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force – September 4
The following day, leaders from across the state met at the University of Redlands for the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force regional convening. State, federal, and nonprofit partners gathered to review progress on California’s 2025 Action Plan and share strategies to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.
IECF President & CEO Michelle Decker welcomed participants on behalf of IECF and the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, grantees of the state’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program and co-hosts of the convening. She emphasized that resilience planning must start with equity:
“Equity means listening to the folks who are closest to the problem and closest to the solution. It means investing in communities that have been overlooked for too long… like the Inland Empire.”
Sessions throughout the day focused on fuels treatment, regional collaboration, and funding priorities. Patrick Wright, Director of the Task Force, stressed the urgency of scaling up prevention and securing long-term funding so that the work underway can continue for years to come.
David Hernandez reflected on IECF’s sponsorship of the convening, “This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when state, federal, and local leaders commit to working side by side. By aligning expertise and resources, we’re building real capacity in the Inland Empire to reduce wildfire risk, restore landscapes, and protect our communities.”
A Season for Preparedness
September is National Preparedness Month, and these two events show the Inland Empire’s growing role in shaping a safer future. From reducing roadside ignitions to coordinating state and local action, we are strengthening the partnerships that keep people safe and protect the places we call home. When we invest in wildfire resilience, we are also investing in a Thriving Natural World — a vital condition that supports every other part of community life.
Learn more about IECF’s wildfire resilience efforts: iegives.org/funds/rffc
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