Living in the WUIwith FIREWISE

ENMU-Ruidoso CampusFebruary 4, 2014

Leroy CockrellLittle Bear Forest Reform

Coalition

National recognition program for subdivisions/communities that take proactive measures to prepare for wildfire

FIREWISE

FIREWISEVillage of Ruidoso-Forestry Department

• FIREWISE is a project of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• FIREWISE is a nationally recognized program that is usually administered by the State Forestry Departments.

• Ruidoso has been a FIREWISE recognized community since 2003 (re-chartered in 2013)

• Village of Ruidoso Forestry Department established the Village ordinance (Sec.42-80)

FIREWISE• VoR Forestry Department

personnel will interact with Village residents and subdivisions to promote FIREWISE guidelines in the Community

• New Mexico State Forestry will interact with County residents outside the city limits of the Village of Ruidoso (daniel.ware@state.nm.us)

(www.nmforestry.com)

Steps for the Subdivision• Sponsor a neighborhood FIREWISE

Task Force Committee that will oversee the FIREWISE Communities/USA program and track its progress and status

• Enlist a wildland/urban interface specialist (VoR or State) to complete your neighborhood assessment and create a plan that identifies agreed-upon achievable solutions to be implemented by the community

FIREWISE

Steps for the Subdivision (con’t)• FIREWISE committee develops and

implements FIREWISE plan which includes:

• Composing a letter to the property owners explaining the intentions, benefits and time frame for FIREWISE activities to be completed

• Some mention of necessary compliance with Village ordinance (Sec.42-80) is recommended if applicable

• May require reminders to property owners via Email or postal mail

FIREWISE

Steps for the Subdivision (con’t)• FIREWISE committee reviews

progress and contacts VoR Forestry or NMSF authority when ready for re-assessment

• The appropriate authority will approve results or suggest additional activity by the homeowners to bring the properties into line with FIREWISE Principles

• When complete, the appropriate authority will support the application for the subdivision’s recognition

• Submit an annual report to FIREWISE Communities/USA that documents continuing compliance with the program

FIREWISE

FIREWISEFor the Property Owner:

• Create a defensible space around the structure (30’-level land, 60+’-sloped land)

• Remove dead/dying vegetation• Trim tree canopies to >= 10’ from

structure• Remove leaf litter (leaves/needles)

from yard, roof and gutters• Relocate firewood, etc. to 30+feet

from structure• Remove “ladder fuels” (low level

vegetation, wood fences, railroad ties)

• Remove excess vegetation along roadway

• Wide driveways/roadways can help slow/stop wildfire

FIREWISEAdditional Activities for the FIREWISE Community

• Observe a FIREWISE Communities/USA Day each year that is dedicated to a local FIREWISE project

• Host a chipping day for residents to remove excess vegetation from their property, as well as community property

• Hold a pine needle or debris removal day in cooperation with the local fire department

• Hold a FIREWISE Education day (Forest Health Expo- April 11-12) that provides information about proper plant and construction choices, introduces local staff, and distributes pertinent FIREWISE information for the community

• Create a fuel removal project that enlists local volunteers

Benefits of becoming a FIREWISE Community

• Neighborhood becomes a more safe and secure environment

• More esthetically attractive properties• Posted FIREWISE approval makes for

easier $ales and increased property values

• Can result in lowering or sustaining costs of homeowners insurance

• And it may save your life, your neighbor’s life and your property!

FIREWISE

Questions?

Discussion?

FIREWISE

Ahhhh….remember when???