Community Brigade

Our Mission is to empower communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

➤ Read an in-depth overview of the Community Brigade Pilot Program

The Challenge

During big wildfires, firefighters get stretched thin.

Wildfires can blaze over thousands of square miles.

Firefighters constantly move to fight the front of the fire.

However, most homes do not ignite from direct contact with the flame front.

When intense heat combines with wind, small burning embers can travel miles away from the fire perimeter.

Flying embers are the cause of up to 90% of homes destroyed by wildfire.

Video courtesy of NBC News

Video courtesy of Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

The Solution

We bridge the gap with Community Brigades.

We train volunteers to help their communities prepare for and respond to wildfires and other hazards.

With intimate local knowledge of their “home turf,” Community Brigade is a key resource for first responders.

The brigade helps with “mop-up” operations, reducing the risk of structures burning down from flying embers.

In partnership with LA County Fire, Community Brigade is launching in 7 pilot communities in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Our goal is to help expand this program to communities at risk across the West.

➤ Learn more about the Community Brigade Pilot Program

Community Brigades are volunteers committed to protecting their communities from disasters

Volunteers are trained in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery

Preparing Communities

Mitigating risk with Home Ignition Zone Assessments.

Community Brigades are also trained in “home hardening.”

Volunteers learn key techniques and best practices to prevent wildfires from igniting homes.

Homeowners can have their home inspected by Community Brigade volunteers at no cost by scheduling a Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Assessment.

Individualized confidential reports identify risks and make recommendations to reduce the risk of a home being destroyed.

How you can help

Support us to buy equipment for our volunteer brigade.

We can’t do this without your contribution.

  • Support us by sponsoring Tools and Personal Protective Equipment for Brigade volunteers.

  • 99% of your donation will go directly toward equipment and operations.

  • We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Our IRS tax identification number is 26-3378460.

Every dollar counts.

Donate Now

Your contribution will support the acquisition of critical equipment and our operations.

Sponsor Fire Tools & Gear

Fire Tools

× 1 volunteer ◇ $500

Sponsor Fire Tools for Volunteers

Tools × 1 volunteer ◇ $500
Tools × 2 volunteers ◇ $1,000

Gift to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat

Fire Tools & Gear

× 1 volunteer ◇ $2,500

Sponsor Fire Tools & Personal Protection Equipment for Volunteers

Tools & Gear × 1 volunteer ◇ $2,500

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat & T-Shirt

Tools & Gear × 2 volunteers ◇ $5,000

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

Tools & Gear × 3 volunteers ◇ $7,500
Tools & Gear × 4 volunteers ◇ $10,000

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

  • Donor Recognition on our Instagram

Sponsor Radio Communications

Radio Communication

Sponsor a Radio Repeater or Volunteer Radio. Communication is vital for life safety.

Volunteer Radio ◇ $500

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat

Command Radio ◇ $1,200

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat & T-Shirt

Radio Repeater × Entire Brigade ◇ $125,000

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

  • Donor Recognition on our Instagram

Sponsor Fire Hoses

Fire Hoses

× 1 community ◇ $7,500

Sponsor Fire Hoses & Nozzles for 1 Community

Fire Hoses × 1 Community ◇ $7,500

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

  • Donor Recognition on our Instagram

Sponsor Fire Vehicles

Fire Truck Skid Unit

× 1 community ◇ $20,000

Sponsor a Firefighting Pickup Truck Skid Unit for 1 Community. Converts a pickup truck into a versatile firefighting resource.

Fire Truck Skid Unit × 1 Community ◇ $20,000

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

  • Donor Recognition on our Instagram

Fire Support Vehicles

× 1 community ◇ $100,000

Sponsor Community Brigade Fire Support Vehicles. 3 types of support vehicles needed: Command, Supply, and Logistics.

Fire Support Vehicle × 1 Community ◇ $100,000

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

  • Donor Recognition on our Instagram

Fire Engine Type 6 × All Communities ◇ $145,000

Gifts to Donors:

  • Community Brigade Hat, T-Shirt, & Hoodie

  • Donor Recognition on our Instagram

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in LA and beyond.