Modoc Fire Safe Council is proud to have assisted in the formation of a new National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) Firewise Community recognized nationwide: New Pine Creek. This certification recognizes the wildfire prevention efforts across the community to work with neighbors in reducing wildfire fuel loads within the home ignition zones.
Residents have successfully formed a board, had a risk assessment performed and reviewed by the Local Volunteer Fire Dept., and created a 3-year action plan to address action items identified in the risk assessment.
In California, the Department of Insurance has asked insurance companies to acknowledge wildfire risk-reduction actions and certification through the NFPA Firewise USA®. Policyholders within a Firewise USA® site may take this certificate to their home insurance provider for a discount on their policy (depending on their provider) which also acts as a bargaining chip when an insurance provider is giving notice of non-renewal.
The Modoc Fire Safe Council is reaching out to you for an article spot to promote the formation of Firewise Communities throughout the county of Modoc. Below is an excerpt from an NFPA brochure that succinctly summarizes why, what, and how to apply. Together, we can figure out how this writing could be fitted into the Modoc Record.
“Working with Neighbors
Home ignition zones often overlap onto adjacent properties. This makes the conditions of neighboring homes and vegetation a part of the wildfire threat. It’s extremely important that neighbors work collaboratively with each other – and talk with each other – to reduce their shared risk.
Firewise USA® Program
Firewise USA® is a voluntary program that provides a framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and communities.
In conclusion, an additional message to encourage seniors, disabled, or U.S. Veterans to sign up for the free service to help create effective defensible space up to 100′ around the home or to the lot line within Modoc County would be greatly appreciated. This program is called, “Defensible Space & Residential Chipping Program”.
How Does the Program Work?
Organize it: Create a board or committee of volunteers to represent your community. They will work with partners such as local forestry agencies or the fire department to complete a wildfire risk assessment and present it to the community.
Plan it: The wildfire risk assessment should highlight recommendations for action. From this risk assessment, the board will identify and prioritize action items for reducing ignition risk to homes. This action plan may span several years.
Do it: Host an outreach event and work with neighbors on addressing items in the action plan.Tell us about it: Modoc Fire Safe Council will assist you on submitting new and renewal applications filed at portal.firewise.org. Tell us about the actions and efforts in your community to engage residents and complete mitigation work at the home level. Please call the office at (530)-233-5516 to get started today!”
