Opportunity for communities to join effort to reduce wildfire risk
October 8, 2014 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) today announced that the second annual national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (Wildfire Preparedness Day) is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2015.
This year, the U.S. has seen nearly 40,000 wildfires burn more than three million acres, affect thousands of lives and create millions of dollars of damage to homes and structures, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. During national Wildfire Preparedness Day, communities across the U.S. are encouraged to participate in local mitigation projects to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and neighborhoods. In 2014, more than 100 projects were undertaken across the nation.
Projects on May 2 can range from a short time commitment up to an entire day and can be undertaken by individuals, families or groups. Potential projects include hosting a chipping day, distributing wildfire safety information to neighbors, organizing brush clean up and more. Residents of all ages are invited to participate in the effort. A list of project ideas is available at www.nfpa.org/wildfirepreparednessday.
For U.S. communities officially recognized through the Firewise Communities/USA® Recognition Program, participating on national Wildfire Preparedness Day can count towards their 2015 "Firewise Day" event. More information about the recognition program and how to apply can be found on the Firewise website.
NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division provides information and resources through the Firewise® Communities Program and Fire Adapted Communities® initiative (both co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service), education, training, conferences, workshops and courses to community residents to help them reduce their risk of wildfire damage to homes and property.
Learn more about the 2015 national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day at www.nfpa.org/wildfirepreparednessday.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
Subscribe to NFPA RSS News feeds
Contact: Lorraine Carli, Public Affairs Office: +1 617 984-7275