BENTONVILLE — The Pea Ridge Volunteer Fire Department was one of many agencies in Benton County recognized recently for their work over the last four years to complete a county-wide wildfire prevention effort. The Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) Fire-Wise program, a fire prevention and grant effort, recognized 27 communities in Benton County as Arkansas FireWise Communities after completing the challenging curriculum requirements including the completion of thousands of wildfire safety assessment surveys on structures; the development of Community Wildfire Preparedness Plans, which outline wildfire mitigation projects and concerns in the next five-year window (residents may request a copy); and various projects to make community spaces more fire safe - namely in spaces highly impacted by remaining ice storm damage.
Benton County Arkansas Forestry Commission representatives, including Scott Noble, George Stowe-Rains and Eddy Hickman were among those in attendance to honor firefighters at a recognition and awards ceremony Tuesday, May 31. Their efforts have been pivotal in the completion of all program requirements. Benton County Judge, Robert Clinard, and Arkansas Forestry Commission Deputy Director, Larry Nance, helped fire personnel in the distribution of awards and community FireWise materials. Benton County Fire Marshall Will Hanna arranged for the dinner and ceremony.
Sunbelt Fire, a primary fire equipment supplier for departments in the area, graciously donated most of the meal.
“Proactive approaches to emergency situations are the most effective way to protect residents and communities. The Arkansas Forestry Commission is glad to see an entire county working to prepare homes ahead of time to resist wildfire. Benton County has laid the foundation for wildfiresafety for several years to come,” said Arkansas FireWise coordinator Matt Simpson.
The primary mission of the FireWise initiative is to improve a community’s defensible space, or the area closest to homes (30-300 feet from structures) that should be treated for wildfire-resistance. Firefighters have spent countless hours in volunteer time toward this huge safety initiative. Besides the training involved with examining each residence for hazards, each fire department will receive a $3,500 grant to fund wildfire equipment and training through participation with Arkansas FireWise.
What are the primary concerns for Arkansas residents? The leading two causes of our state’swildfires are burning debris fires and arson fires. Burning debris fires include a broad list of accidents related to trash, brush pile and leaf burns and arson fires are those lit intentionally. Homeowners often light fires when conditions are too windy, during burn bans, or in areas that are not appropriately separated from the surrounding wildland area. Firefighters hope that homeowners begin to make better decisions about using fire - and encourage residents to call anytime they hope to burn so that fire response can be quick.
Remember that wildfire is not the enemy - but it is a very real threat to Arkansans, especially in fire districts so frequently visited by touristsand guests. Many times homeowners take for granted that a fire department could save every home from fire; this is not a reality. What is a reality, however, is that residents can take active steps to ensure that their home could be saved in the event of a wildfire by keeping defensible space maintained and accessible to fire crews and water. The Benton County fire departments are dedicated fire teams - protecting families and homes before emergencies happen.
Benton County Fire Departments and the AFC hope to support their area residents in all efforts to reduce wildfire risk. Call 501-296-1940 for more information about Fire-Wise, or visit the web site at www.arkansasfirewise.
com. Call 911 to reportwildfires or emergencies and remember to support local fire departments.
Benton County AFC offices can be reached at 795-0077. Their commitment to Benton County has truly made wildfire safety a top priority.
News, Pages 12 on 06/15/2011