Firewise program helps neighborhoods avoid wildfire loss

By J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to The Steel Country Bee

Fire -- the discovery that many believe put mankind on the path to civilization. However, anyone who has ever survived a wildfire can attest to the terror and utter devastation that it can leave in its wake.

On May 7, neighborhood groups all over the country participated in national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization, founded in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire. NFPA’s Firewise Communities Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for protecting their homes from the risk of wildfire through education, planning and action. The program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters.

In the far southwest corner of Cass County sits the community of Eagle Landing, the only nationally- recognized Firewise Community to be found in Cass and the ten surrounding Texas counties. In this enclave of a little over 100 homes, residents collaborate to keep their community protected from wildfires, as well as make sure they are prepared in the event wildfires do occur in the area. On May 7, Michael Tiller of the Texas A&M Forest Service met with homeowners and members of the Avinger Volunteer Fire Department. Tiller highlighted some of the ways in which individuals can reduce their risk of loss in the event of a wildfire, such as planting only low-growing herbaceous plants near the home, storing firewood and combustible materials at least 30 feet away from the home and garage, and trimming any tree branches that hang over the roof.

As people go through the Firewise process, they learn about wildfire risks in the community and the simple things they can do to reduce these risks. They connect with experts – local fire fighters, state forestry professionals, and national researchers – to find resources to accomplish Firewise actions. According to the NFPA, “Knowing that they are using the best information available, and actually taking steps to reduce the risk of damage from fire, helps people start to feel safer in their environment and in their homes. Having a plan for what to do in the event of a fire helps people become calmer and more prepared to act quickly.”

Many times, as neighbors get together to do Firewise work, they are meeting each other for the first time. “Firewise activity can help rally people to a common cause for the good of the neighborhood,“ says the NFPA. “This strengthening of community ties can benefit residents in many ways, and is especially helpful during an emergency.”

The NFPA offers a wealth of information to the public about steps to take to reduce the risk of loss due to wildfires, including causes and prevention, emergency preparedness, and escape planning. NFPA encourages individuals and communities to visit its website, www.nfpa.org, for more information, and to learn the steps to take toward becoming a certified Firewise Community.