We live in a beautiful location that interacts closely with our forests and with an increased risk for wildfire.
Recently, Prescott Fire Department named Conrad Jackson as the wildfire risk manager. His job, in part, is to educate the public about making their homes safer. Jackson wrote a series of great articles earlier this year, talking about what the city is doing, in conjunction with our partner agencies, to become a Fire Adapted Community and how to make your home safer from the threat of wildfire.
Recently, all of these articles were published together in the Be Firewise booklet, jointly published in coordination with the Yavapai County Contractors Association (YCCA) and the Daily Courier. This booklet is available at Prescott City Hall, at the YCCA offices and online on the city website.
Jackson will be speaking on the topic of Fire Adaptive Communities at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Highlands Center for Natural History. Through his work with the community, Jackson has evidence that insurance companies respond when citizens and businesses reduce risk factors on their properties. So, your individual efforts can have a direct impact on maintaining your homeowner’s coverage and premium rates, while making our entire community safer.
Prescott National Forest is also educating the public through the Prescribed Fire Miniseries. It will take place at the Highlands Center for Natural History at 9 a.m., Thursdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. This is a great way to learn about forestry management and why prescribed fire is an important part of forest management. The goal is to help the community to learn more about why and how the Forest Service uses fire as a tool for land management. This includes many considerations that take place during the planning process prior to doing any ignitions – for example, working with local partners, landowners, stakeholders, specialists from within the Forest Service and other agencies needed to coordinate this work on public lands. To register for the classes, go to www.highlandscenter.org/adult-programs.
Prescott National Forest also will be sharing this information at upcoming meetings with area stakeholders on the Prescott National Forest Facebook page and through the KYCA radio station.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Yavapai Firewise (aka Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission). They are another ongoing resource for wildland fire awareness. Yavapai Firewise has a very informative website, YavapaiFirewise.org, where you can learn more about wildfire safety and connect with others who want to learn more. They also appear at local events and make presentations to the public.
We live in a beautiful location that interacts closely with our forests and with an increased risk for wildfire. We are fortunate to have several agencies providing opportunities to learn more about wildland fire and our role in helping to reduce the risk. QCBN
By Phil Goode
To learn more about Conrad Jackson’s role and how he is educating the public, give him a call at 928-777-1700, ext. 7065.
Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.
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