| Reducing
Fire Risk workshop planned
University of Idaho Extension—Clearwater County is offering the workshop: Reducing Fire Risk in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Wildfire has been a natural disturbance common in the forests of North Central Idaho for centuries; however, changing forest conditions, hotter-dryer summers, and more people living near forests has increased the risk for property loss and personal safety from wildfire in recent years. In 2012, for example, more acres burned in the 11 western states than ever recorded. And 2015 was one of the worst wildfire seasons in north-central Idaho, affecting many private landowners and residents. Most rural property owners in NC Idaho have the potential to be affected by wildland fire, not just those who live “in the forest.” Burning embers from large wildfires can travel great distances, and are one of the biggest threats to structures. This workshop is designed to give property owners practical information about what they can do to make their properties more likely to survive wildland fire as well as providing an understanding of fire behavior (including video), fire protection jurisdiction, and the decisions that firefighters must make when battling wildland fire in the WUI. Saturday, May 7, 2016 and Saturday, May 14, 2016 – 8:00 am – 1:30 pm Agenda 7:45 am-Sign-in begins 8:00 am-History & Ecological Context for Wildfire in Idaho & 2016 Idaho Wildfire Forecast, Bill Warren, UI Extension—Clearwater County 8:45 am-Landscaping and Structure Modification to Survive Wildfire—Part I: Dave Summers, Idaho Department of Lands 9:45 am-Break 10:00 am-Wildland Fire Behavior and Wildland Firefighter Response in the WUI Len Young, Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association 11:00 am-Landscaping and Structure Modification to Survive Wildfire—Part II: Dave Summers, Idaho Department of Lands 12:00 pm-Break—refreshments 12:15 pm-County Wildfire Protection Plans and Emergency Response, Don Gardner & Jerry Zumalt, Clearwater & Idaho County Emergency Management 1:00 pm-Clearwater SWCD Firewise Results: Eileen Rowan & Jessica Vance, Clearwater Soil & Water Conservation District 1:30 pm-Close Pre-registration is appreciated, as it helps us prepare for snacks and handout materials. Cost: no charge. Call the Extension office at 208-476-4434 or email clearwater@uidaho.edu for more information and to pre-registration. Class size limited to 25 people. |
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