Property owners within the Monterey Fire Department response area may be eligible for reduced fire insurance rates.

For its ongoing work to improve community resilience and reduce wildfire risk, the Monterey Fire Department was placed on California’s 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Communities Listing.

The designation, approved by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Resource Protection Committee, became effective on July 1 and remains in place for two years. Among California's 483 municipalities, just 42 were approved for the 2026 listing.

“Earning a spot on this exclusive statewide list reflects our department’s commitment to protecting the communities we serve,” Monterey Fire Chief Patrick Moore said in a statement. “Wildfire resilience has been a top priority for our department and our cities.”

According to the statement, “the Fire Risk Reduction Communities Listing recognizes communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to wildfire preparedness, prevention, and mitigation.”  

Inclusion on the list comes with benefits to the department and the communities it serves, including those in the Cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Sand City, alongside the Monterey Regional Airport. Those in the Monterey Fire Department response area receive priority consideration for certain grant funding and potentially lower insurance premiums for eligible properties.

“We strongly encourage property owners throughout Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Sand City, and the Monterey Regional Airport to reach out to their insurers about potential premium discounts,” Fire Prevention Division Chief Justin Cooper said in the statement.