Rancho Mission Viejo has taken steps to address fire safety in its community design, home construction, and landscape materials—which has been recognized with a Firewise USA designation from the National Fire Protection Association.

“We’re really proud to receive this designation from the NFPA,” said Mike Balsamo, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs for Rancho Mission Viejo, in a news release. “When planning began on Rancho Mission Viejo, wildfires were considered in every major decision we made, and that continues with our present-day planning.”

RMV has partnered with Orange County Fire Authority and County of Orange to address fire safety. The master-planned community has reportedly exceeded county and state requirements on fire safety as they maintain the communities of Esencia and Sendero—and look to build Rienda, their newest neighborhood.