While a wildfire is a natural occurrence, the loss of communities to fire is not. Community engagement and empowerment can stop life and property loss from wildfire and keep the wildfire from becoming a disaster. This presentation will share how the Firewise USA® Program, and its international adaptations, engage residents as an “informed public” and make them a resource to local Fire services when there is a wildfire. Lessons for researchers and practitioners will be shared from US community examples and international efforts that have found success, with emphasis on social equity in face of the risk.