August 2012
This is an archived edition of NFPA's Fire Break newsletter. Since publication, some links may have broken or take you to different content. Read the latest issue and subscribe today. It's free, and once a month, you'll receive the latest news about the efforts of NFPA's Wildland Fire Operations Division.
FIRE BREAK Wildland Fire NEWS
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| Increased occupancy in high-risk wildfire areas elevates fire danger |
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According to Bloomberg News, in the past decade almost 40 percent of new U.S. homes have been built in high wildfire risk areas, contributing to the increased number, intensity and size of wildfires. Adding to the problem is the fact that federal funding for training and equipping local departments to fight these fires and helping communities draft protection plans is dwindling. State and local officials emphasize that now is the time for homeowners to take responsibility and help safeguard their homes and property before the wildfire problem grows even bigger.
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NFPA seeks presenters for Backyards & Beyond conference
Participate as a speaker at the 2013 Backyards & Beyond conference and share your knowledge and best practices with a diverse audience of wildland fire professionals. The conference will be held in Salt Lake City, UT, November 14 - 16, 2013. Proposals due by December 31, 2012.
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New toolkit puts Firewise at your fingertips
A new online Firewise Toolkit contains valuable program information in one easy-to-find place. Find checklists for creating defensible space and participating in the recognition process, in addition to Firewise facts and principles, logo usage guidelines and more. Download single documents or the whole toolkit for meetings and presentations.
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Drought named biggest factor in 2012 fires
A Los Angeles Times article points to drought as the biggest contributor to wildfires in 2012. Researchers also predict rising temperatures associated with climate change will lead to more wildfires in the West. Despite the warnings, less wildfire activity is predicted for 2012 than in 2002, when massive fires blanketed the West.
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FAC initiative offers large, sustainable vision of wildfire
Belt-tightening budget cuts, record-breaking droughts, and expanding suburban development will put significant strain on WUI communities unless the country does something to change current trends. Fortunately, national agencies are taking serious action to correct this course, including focusing on creating fire adapted communities.
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Camp Smokey reaches children with wildfire safety messages
Each year, CAL Fire, together with the US Forest Service and other multi-agency safety partners host "Camp Smokey" at the California State Fair in Sacramento. Lessons and demonstrations include campfire safety, Firewise landscaping and "stop, drop and roll." Over 14,000 children visit the camp each year.
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Russian delegates visit U.S. to explore wildfire issues
A group of Russian delegates recently visited Colorado and met with NFPA staff to learn how the U.S. promotes on-the-ground outreach and mitigation efforts. Visits to locations impacted by the recent wildfires provided important lessons that the delegates took back and hope to implement in Russia.
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Extend wildfire safety messages through Firewise Outfitters
Show your support of Firewise and help promote wildfire safety with products from Firewise Outfitters, our new online "general store." Choose from baseball caps, t-shirts and banners, all available at a nominal price. Items can be ordered through the online Firewise catalog.
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Your local fire department needs your help
In the face of tight budgets, fire departments are finding it difficult to fund fire prevention and safety materials for their communities. Through Sparky's Wish List, your local fire departments can register for needed Fire Prevention Week materials, and you can fulfill those wishes. Materials start at $12.50, so even modest purchases can help. There are fire departments in every state that need your support.
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Webinar highlights Firewise partnerships in pursuit of safer communities
The California Fire Science Consortium recently hosted a panel of speakers who presented, "Firewise Communities: A Tool for WUI Residents." Viewers learned the importance of developing partnerships as they continue to build safer communities, and the need for creating defensible space around homes.
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Want to be a video star?
NFPA and LEGOLAND® Florida want to make you a star! We'd like to see your rendition of the song "Put the Wet Stuff on the Hot Stuff" from The Big Test show at LEGOLAND Florida. Submit your video by September 12 and you could win LEGOLAND Florida admission tickets for four people, two nights of hotel accommodations for four people, and $2,000 towards travel expenses.
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