How To Become A Mississippi Firewise Community

Is Your Community At Risk?

Becoming recognized as a Firewise Community/USA begins with the community itself.  The community representative can either complete an on-line form on the Firewise Communities/USA website or contact Leslie Blackwell, Mississippi's Firewise Coordinator, at (601) 656-1381 or lblackwell@mfc.state.ms.us 

Once contact has been established, a Firewise representative will schedule a site visit to the community as assess risk to the community from wildland fires, and to discuss the Firewise Community/USA process.

Organizing a Firewise Board

If it has been determined that the community is at risk, community representatives will create a multi-discipline Firewise board that can include homeowners, fire professionals and/or members of other interest groups.  

Conducting A Risk Assessment

At the organizational meeting of the Firewise Board, a date is scheduled for the Firewise Coordinator to meet with the fire department personnel for training in completing the Wildland Fire Risk and Hazard Severity Assessment forms for homes in the wildland/urban interface.

Developing a Firewise Community USA Assessment

Upon completion of the community assessments, the Firewise board will use them as a basis for developing a Community Assessment Plan that contains agreed-upon, area-specific solutions to its wildfire issues.  The Community Assessment Plan must be presented to and approved by the Firewise Coordinator.  

Conducting A "Firewise Day"

The Community Assessment Plan prepared by the Firewise Board contains specific action items that can be implemented by homeowners with assistance from fire staff or our sources.  When they are executed, they are called "Firewise Days".  A Firewise Day must be held each year in order to maintain recognition status.  Firewise Days can include chipping days, public awareness events, pine needle/leaf cleanups, etc.

Investing in Your Firewise Community

Invest a minimum of $2.00 per capita annually in local Firewise projects.  An example:  a community of 200 residents will invest a minimum of $400.00 in projects named in the plan prepared by the Firewise board.  Volunteer hours, use of equipment, and time spent by agency fire staff can be included in this figure, as can state and federal grant dollars.

Certification as a Firewise Community/USA

Firewise Communities/USA recognition status is achieved when the Firewise Coordinator approves the community's Community Assessment Plan, and after one completed Firewise project.  Upon certification by the Mississippi State Forester, the Firewise Coordinator forwards the completed application to the national Firewise program office.  

Continued Certification

A permanent Firewise board is created that will maintain the program into the future.  A mitigation project (reduction of risks to homes) must be completed during the year for recertification.  Recognition renewal must be completed by December 31 of each year.