Volunteers in Prevention

Volunteers in Prevention, also known simply as VIP, has made outstanding progress since its inception in 1980. With an annual budget of $270,000, this innovative program uses citizens and public service groups to spread fire safety awareness in high risk California locations. 

The VIP Program was initially founded with the goal of reducing man-caused fires by 10 percent per 100,000 people. The targeted areas were Lake Napa, Shasta, Nevada, Yuba Placer, Amador El Dorado, Santa Clara, Riverside and San Diego. Since 1980, the program has expanded to over 21 CAL FIRE units. There are approximately 2,500 VIP's throughout California, averaging over 60,000 volunteer hours a year. 

By annually holding and participating in fairs, displays, and parades, the VIP program has reduced child caused fires by 50 percent. Additionally, volunteers are trained to teach homeowners how to make their homes fire safe. This one-on-one instruction makes the increasing populations living within California wildlands a little bit safer from the realistic threat of fires. 

To find out more about becoming a VIP, contact your local CALFIRE unit.