A New Era of Fire Studies Begins at Cal Poly’s WUI Fire Institute

Today marks an important milestone for wildfire resilience on the Central Coast. The SLO Fire Safe Council was honored to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Cal Poly Tech Park Phase 2, the new home of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute. This program is the first of its kind on the West Coast, and it represents a major leap forward in how California prepares for, studies, and responds to wildfire threats.

For decades, our region has faced increasing fire risk. As climate patterns change and more development occurs near wildland areas, communities like ours must adapt, innovate, and prepare. The WUI Fire Institute is designed to meet that challenge with a hands on approach that brings together university researchers, students, community partners, and fire professionals to create real world solutions.

Strengthening Partnerships for a Safer Central Coast

The expansion of the Tech Park is more than a new building. It is the start of a deeper collaboration between Cal Poly Partners, the WUI Fire Institute, and the SLO Fire Safe Council. Together, we are creating a unified, regional effort focused on improving fire safety, wildfire prevention, and operational readiness across San Luis Obispo County.

These partnerships are already producing meaningful results. Through shared resources, technology, and expertise, we are accelerating the development of practical tools and programs that reduce community risk and improve how agencies respond during emergencies.

Creating Opportunities for Future Leaders

One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the opportunity it creates for Cal Poly students. Interns from diverse degree programs are now working on critical wildfire and community safety projects with guidance from the SLO Fire Safe Council and faculty mentors. This is Learn by Doing in its truest form.

Students are contributing to real solutions—from evacuation modeling and mapping to community outreach and education. Their creativity, talent, and energy are helping address complex challenges while preparing the next generation of fire science professionals, engineers, planners, and public servants.

Innovation Driving Community Resilience

The work happening at the WUI Fire Institute and the Tech Park goes far beyond research. It represents a commitment to innovation that directly benefits the communities of the Central Coast.

Advanced fire behavior modeling
Emergency planning tools
Community risk reduction strategies
Home hardening and defensible space initiatives
Real time emergency intelligence and decision support

These initiatives form the foundation of a safer and more resilient region.

Looking Ahead

The SLO Fire Safe Council is proud to stand alongside Cal Poly and regional partners as we take the next step in transforming how wildfire preparation and response is approached in San Luis Obispo County. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more prepared community.

To learn more about the WUI Fire Institute, visit:
https://fire.calpoly.edu/