Earlier this month, David Barrett, Executive Director of MySafe:Riverside, addressed the University of Southern California Undergraduate Student Government (USG) in a special presentation focused on the growing threat of wildfires and the critical role of individual preparedness.
Though held in Los Angeles, the conversation struck a deep chord for students with ties to high-risk wildfire communities—including many families living in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) across Riverside County.
Wildfire Reality Check: A New Era of Risk
Barrett opened the session with a powerful overview of the January firestorm that ravaged parts of Los Angeles, illustrating how rapidly fire conditions have changed due to climate extremes, urban encroachment, and fuel overloads.
“This isn’t a future problem. It’s happening now,” Barrett told the students. “And while fire departments are doing heroic work, we all have a part to play—especially when it comes to protecting our own homes and property.”
He emphasized the critical importance of defensible space, ember-resistant zones (Zone 0), and home hardening techniques as practical and necessary steps for anyone living in or near wildfire-prone areas.
Student Engagement and Shared Mission
The USC undergraduates were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions about:
- Homeowner responsibilities vs. government mandates
- Urban planning and development in high-risk areas
- How to spread wildfire safety awareness in younger communities
Several students expressed interest in developing outreach campaigns to educate their peers—particularly those whose families live in vulnerable WUI neighborhoods throughout Southern California, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
“Seeing students connect personal experience with civic engagement is exactly the kind of wildfire literacy we need,” Barrett said. “They’re not only the next generation of leaders—they’re also wildfire stakeholders today.”
Why It Matters for Riverside County
Although the event took place in Los Angeles, its impact reaches across the region. As wildfires increasingly threaten both urban edges and suburban interiors, building a culture of preparedness is more urgent than ever—especially in fast-growing counties like Riverside, where thousands of homes lie in high fire hazard zones.
By participating in this USC event, MySafe:Riverside gained visibility beyond county borders, reinforcing our leadership in wildfire safety education and resilience-building. Barrett’s presentation demonstrated that cross-county collaboration and public awareness are essential components of long-term fire adaptation.
Moving Forward
MySafe:Riverside is proud to work alongside schools, civic leaders, and community members to promote wildfire preparedness. This USC engagement is just one example of how we’re working to extend the wildfire safety conversation beyond first responders and into living rooms, classrooms, and boardrooms.
Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a property owner—you have a role in protecting your home, your family, and your community.
