June 11, 2011

For the first time in northern California, Lassen County Fire Safe Council (LCFSC) is offering residents the op-portunity to learn how their actions can make homes and communities safer from wildfire by attending “Assessing Residential Wildfire Hazards,” a newly developed course by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise® program.

This is valuable information for residents and others want-ing to know more about recognizing and reducing (mitigat-ing) wildfire hazards to their homes and communities. The Interactive seminar is free-of-charge and will be presented by national expert, Pat Durland. He will introduce the latest scientific logic and techniques in reducing wildfire threats.

Wildland fire agencies have largely been unable to reduce wildland/urban interface destruction through traditional fire response procedures. Recent re-search has lead to a greater understanding of how wildland fires ignite homes. By understanding and applying this knowledge of how wildland/urban interface fires occur and by using new approaches, future wildland/urban interface fire disasters can be significantly reduced.

This seminar will help you understand how a small per-centage of today’s wildfires burn most of our nation’s homes. It will discuss the myths and realities that surround wildfires; why firefighters can’t always save your home; the three ways wildfires ignite homes; how to spot the most dangerous wildfire hazards; new options to reduce wildfire hazards without removing them; when to take action against wild-fires; what to do that makes the difference; and more. As one participant noted, “Finally, all this wildfire information makes sense!”

After attending this session you should be able to:

• Separate the realities from the myths that contribute to the wildland fire problem.
• Explain why fire agencies can’t stop the big fires that burn hundreds of homes.
• Describe how vegetation fires ignite homes.
• Define what we mean by the Home Ignition Zone concept.
• Identify the ‘little things’ that make ‘big differences’ in preventing homes from burning.
• Discuss your options when a Mega wildfire threatens your area.
• Assess wildfire risk by identifying hazards to structures in wildland, forested, and grassland areas.

Who Will Benefit:

Wildland and community residents, stakeholders, part-ners and others that want to understand how their actions can effectively reduce wildfire losses and provide for safer homes and communities.

The Presenter:

Pat Durland is a nationally recognized wildfire expert with 35 years of experience. He was one of the founders of the Fire-wise® program and as a 20 year resident of the Idaho foothills, understands and appreciates the challenges of living in the wildland/urban interface. He is a dynamic speaker and his passion is helping residents and commu-nities understand how to reduce wildfire losses. Check him out at www.stonecreekfire.com.

Free BBQ and Training – Don’t miss out, Sign up Today!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 8:30-5:00 and take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to protect your home and family, meet the local players in the wildfire arena and talk with the experts.

The session will be held at the Susan River Fire Station at 472-355 Richmond Road North and a free BBQ lunch will be provided. Space is limited so guarantee your spot by contacting the Lassen County Fire Safe Council by calling 530-251-5560 or email mcdirden@hotmail.com today!