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Firewise In Mississippi

Firewise Links: Firewise Communities in Mississippi; Firewise Communities USA; Firewise FAQS

 

Firewise is an educational program for homeowners and community leaders.  This program is for anyone living in, or connected to, the Wildland Urban Interface.  Information is available on how to design, construct, landscape, and maintain home or community so as to withstand a wildfire without the aid of firefighting resources on scene.

 

Firewise principles are based on National Fire Protection Association guidelines.

  • Design and construction - Use fire resistant materials in building and retrofitting a home.  use fire proof screens and vents on all openings.

  • Landscaping - Create and maintain at least 30 feet of defensible space around your home.  Within this 30 feet of defensible space, reduce or remove the vegetation that has a high content of flammable resins, oils, or waxes.  Remove hazards such as woodpiles on the front porch and prune overhanging tree limbs.  Consider the use of fire resistant mulch and consider planting species that have a high moisture content in the leaves.

  • Maintenance - Mow the lawn regularly, sweep the roof and clean out the gutters - reduce the amount of fuel that will bring a wildfire into the home.

 

Firewise Workshops

Firewise workshops are FREE events, however, pre-registration is required.  Meals, refreshments and workshop materials will be provided.  Firewise workshop and/or field days are a one-day event, bringing together citizens, business, and community leaders involved in planning, financing, building, sustaining, and protecting communities in the wildland//urban interface. This will be a learning experience and participants will learn about why homes burn, various wildland fuel reduction techniques, and how to assess the fire danger of their own home.

  • The Montrose Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a How To Have A Firewise Home event on August 18, 2009 at the Montrose Fire Department. Please complete the registration form and return by fax to (601) 656-2088  by August 10, 2009.  There is no charge for your participation and lunch will be provided.  Pre-registration is a must for the noon meal head count. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m.  The program will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and end at approximately 1:00 p.m. We value your participation in the program and look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Clyde Gardner at (601) 601-6748.

 

Firewise Publications:

 

Flammability Key

This is a guide for making local Firewise plant lists that can assist local homeowners with firewise landscaping.  It includes a step-by-step method for determining whether or not a particular plant is appropriate for firewise landscaping.

 

Visit the National Firewise web site for

additional information

 

For more information on the Firewise program, contact:

Leslie "Opie" Blackwell

Firewise Program Coordinator

14941 Highway 16 West

P.O. Box 429

Philadelphia, MS 39350

(601) 540-3358 cell

lblackwell@mfc.state.ms.us

 

Photo Credits: Photos provided by Jimmy Mordica.

 

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