Barnstable County announced the launch of an updated wildfire planning initiative across all 15 Cape Cod towns, supported by nearly $199,500 in new funding, including $45,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The project will modernize wildfire preparedness before a major incident occurs and better protect residents, homes, and natural resources.
The initiative replaces decades-old wildfire plans with a coordinated regional strategy that reflects current conditions โ including more frequent droughts, increased forest fuel loads, and the expansion of housing into wooded areas.
Each town will participate in a public planning process to map high-risk areas and identify the mitigation strategies that will have the greatest impact. Once plans are finalized, Barnstable County will pursue implementation funding on behalf of the towns.
