Residents share concerns and suggestions for creating a fire-wise community.

Will you share your ideas with us as we draft the formal document?

Click here to download an input form. (PDF)

May 7, 2009, at a public Meeting, residents from the valleys of Deerhorn, Lyons, Lawson gathered to create a "wish list" of fire-wise projects to help protect lives and property during the next wildfire.

The 2-hour work session was led by Chris Blaylock (SD FireSafe Council) and Deerhorn residents Phyllis Dozier and Ruth Brewer. The ideas generated will be formalized as part of our Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The CWPP will be a document that will guide our requests for federal funds for fuel reduction (clearing, trimming, thinning) and structure protection. CWPP is designed to be a general guide for projects to make the our families and homes safer.

PART 1: FUEL REDUCTION

• Professional hazard assessment
• Roadside clearing (mastication) and tree-pruning
• Creation of strategic fuel breaks
• Removal or treatment of dead/diseased trees
• Defensible space education for residents
• Proper vegetation management to maintain/restore native habitats
• Consult with USFWS to reduce invasive plant species and replant with native species
• Plant fire-wise vegetation in defensible space zones

PART 2: STRUCTURAL IGNITABILITY

Educate homeowners/residents on the best practices for reducing ignitability of homes and other structures

Update maps and add signs to aid first responders

Rename roads where confusion exists

Maintain a cache of fire retardant and equipment for application

Educate homeowners/residents about about proper storage of hazardous materials (gasoline, diesel, etc.)

Help homeowners/residents obtain vents to prevent ember penetration in wind-driven wildfire.

Update maps and signs to indicate water availability and connection needed.

Track and update home locations, water availability, ingress and egress routes.

Create a up-to-date list of persons qualified to perform these tasks.