Palm Springs Fire Earns Risk Reduction Designation Amid Brush Clearing Work

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Palm Springs Fire Department has earned its first fire risk reduction community designation by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, the department announced Thursday.

"While this marks the first time Palm Springs has received this designation, our work is far from over," Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said in a statement. "We will continue to invest in proactive programs that help protect our residents, businesses and visitors."

The designation was given as part of the fire department's efforts to improve wildfire preparedness and reduce fire risks. Fire officials said the recognition was a collaborative effort of the fire department, city staff, elected officials and community partners who have supported the city's wildfire mitigation and preparedness initiatives.

The announcement came one day after fire officials finished clearing vegetation from 101 acres across 14 city-owned vacant lots during the annual wildfire mitigation brush removal program.