IDFW Intro X

An Introduction to Idahos Firewise Program

IDAHO FIREWISE

By Jennifer Swann1

Idaho FirewisePreparing Appropriately Understanding the science of fireRecognizing the reality of wildfire National Program

Idaho Firewives???

Firewise is more than just being wise about fire. Firewise is a term that was coined by the NFPA in their establishment of the national Firewise Communities program. The national program works with states throughout the nation to save lives and property from wildfire by teaching people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses. Over 600 communities in 39 States.

Firewise also means:

Understanding the science of fire. Recognizing the reality of fire. And then using that knowledge and understanding to take responsibility and prepare appropriately so that our firefighters have a better chance of defending our homes, or more realistically, so that our homes have a better chance of defending themselves!2

Idaho Firewise

Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group: County SurveyIdaho Firewise is the brainchild of the ISFPWG. The ISFPWG is a multi-agency collaborative effort to assist counties with the development and implementation of their CWPPs as set forth in the National Fire Plan. ISFPWG surveyed Idaho counties in 2007 to determine their progress and needs. The counties identified a strong need for statewide education on wildland fire.

There were simultaneous efforts occurring across the state, and the counties were looking for someone or some entity to orchestrate those efforts and provide a clearinghouse of information and resources that would make educating people more efficient.

With some planning and foresight from the ISFPWG education committee, IDFW came to be.3

On a MissionIdaho Firewise

After nearly a year, our mission is still up for debate, but in any case, it is the driving force behind our organization, so its important to share it with you.

Idaho Firewise coordinates, supports, and promotes wildland fire education to help residents and visitors understand that fire is a natural occurrence in Idaho and that along with it comes a responsibility to prepare for it.

All that being said4In a Nutshell.Growing a Firewise Culture in Your Backyard

Non-profit Cooperative EducateWildland Fire

..We can simplify the mission into a nutshell that you can walk away with. To put it simply, IDFW is a non-profit cooperative effort to educate Idahoans on wildland fire.

It really is as simple as that. We are trying to raise the level of awareness and understanding to a point where it just becomes a part of our culture here in Idaho.5Idaho FirewiseHomeowner Preparedness

Idaho Firewise has a multi-subject approach to spreading the word about wildland fire.

We are first educating people on the science of fire and the role that it plays in Idahos ecosytems. We think its important to first help people understand fire and how it interacts with many natural processes in Idahos ecosystems. Once people have a basic understanding of fire, they can better understand the importance of preparing for it.

Second, we are educating people on how fires are fought and what the resources are in Idaho. It is important for people to understand that although we have effective resources to fight fire, that ultimately there arent enough resources to protect every single home in the event of a wildfire. Knowing this, homeowners need to know that the actions that they take before a wildfire approaches, are the most important factor in determining whether or not their home survives.

Third, we want anyone who lives, works, or plays in Idaho to understand that many fires are naturally caused, but that others can be prevented by avoiding careless actions. We have teamed up with Keep Idaho Green to deliver the prevention messages. Keep Idaho Green is now the prevention arm of IDFW.

Fourth, we are working to educate homeowners on the actions they can take to be prepared for fire. And ultimately this is the most important message because it leads to action on the ground. This is where the firewise culture growsright in your backyard and mine!6

Idaho FirewiseThe Basic OperationResourcesEducationCommunities

In order to educate Idahoans and create that Firewise culture, there are 3 basic parts to our operation. First, is the education itself, second is working to form new and maintain existing nationally recognized Firewise Communities, and third is providing the resources that are needed to be firewise. I will break each of these down further over the next few slides.7

Idaho Firewise

The AvenueEducationInvolvementPrintWeb TV/RadioWord of Mouth

In terms of education, we are relying on many different avenues to launch a widespread education campaign. Some of the most obvious methods we are using include:

Involvement (conferences, youth camps, meetings, demonstrations, etc.) In spite of growing technology, meeting people face to face is most effective.Print (newspaper, brochures, billboards, etc.)Web/internet (website, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) TV/RadioWord of mouth

In the this past year that we have been in operation, we have been using all of these methods to begin to educate others, but it will likely take 3-5 years of active education before we really start to build that firewise culture that people cant avoid!8

Communities

Idaho Firewise

Firewise Communities /USA ID LiaisonHarry SteeleIdaho Dept. of LandsFire Prevention Coordinator

The second part of the IDFW operation is Firewise Communities. In terms of Communities, we would like to continue forming new Firewise Communities and assisting existing ones. Although it is important to deliver loud, clear, and consistent messages at the state level, it has more of an impact when delivered at the local level where people are most effected by wildfire. The local level is also where change is likely to happen.

Currently, we have 16 Firewise communities in Idaho.

There are some obvious benefits to being a Firewise Community: Organized effortthings tend to happen more efficientlyBuild relationshipsPeace of MindGreater protection in numbers

This is where Harry Steele comes into play. She is the Firewise Communities, USA Liaison and IDL Fire Prevention Coordinator. 9Idaho Firewise

Someone

Private Sector

Resources

Public SectorEveryone

ResourcesThe third part of the IDFW operation is resources. Our goal is to simplify the process of accessing the resources necessary to be firewise. Often times we have to work through a maze like this to get to someone who can help us. If people have to waste this kind of time to help themselves, they may find that it is too much trouble.

Idaho Firewise hopes to streamline that process so that it is much easier to become firewise. We are gathering and developing the resources that are needed. Those resources might be requested by the public or private sector.

For example, a homeowner might request a home evaluation or someone to speak about defensible space at their homeowners association meeting. Or, a local fire department might request a batch of publications that provide homeowners with firewise recommendations.

In any case, IDFW would like for those resources to be readily available so that the task of helping Idahoans become Firewise isnt so challenging. 10

Idaho FirewiseOur two biggest resources are the brochure and website. I wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the features.

LibraryBlogNews FeedCalendar of EventsMailing List11

Partners

Idaho Firewise

We have involvement and support from many agencies and organizations, and these are just some of those, but ultimately its about homeowners.12

THE END

Idaho Firewisewww.idahofirewise.org13