|
Home |
Search the Database |
Display Index |
Contact Us |
Database Login
|
The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
Return to your search results or Perform a new search
|
Title: |
North Carolina Wildfire Mitigation Programs
|
|
Type: |
Homeowner assistance
Firewise community recognition programs
Education
Designation of high risk areas
Demonstration projects
|
|
Jurisdiction: |
State
|
|
State: |
North Carolina
|
|
Program Description: |
Background
The NCDFR is actively engaged in a variety of wildfire mitigation efforts. The NCDFR has developed pre-attack plans for several of the high hazard communities in the state. Firewise education and fuel reduction are the primary focus of the agency�s efforts. Three regional Firewise coordinators and 13 district coordinators have been appointed in existing positions. There are also two state-level coordinators in existing positions. The State hopes to hire a state coordinator dedicated solely to wildfire protection and the Firewise program in the near future using NFP funding. The NCDFR hosted a statewide Firewise conference in February of 2004 to kickoff the North Carolina Firewise Program.
Education
The NCDFR hosts an excellent website with a number of publications available specific to wildfire prevention in North Carolina, as well as access to numerous NFPA/Firewise publications. A newspaper insert �Living with Fire� is being utilized in high-risk communities to educate the public about the risks associated with living in fire-prone WUI areas.
The State utilizes an educational program for youth developed by Interactive Training Media that is specific to the fire ecology and hazards present in North Carolina. Educational efforts also include the use of thirteen fire prevention trailers at fairs, community events, and schools that are manned by fire prevention education teams. Three stand-alone interactive Firewise trailers are proposed for purchase in the coming year.
Community Recognition
The NCDFR has established a multi-agency firewise council that provides guidance for the Firewise program in the state. Four communities with 1600 homes have adopted the Firewise Communities� USA Program. Approximately, an additional 12 communities are working mitigation plans, the initial step towards becoming a Firewise community. Also, Fire Departments that have Firewise Communities� USA in their districts are recognized as a Firewise Communities� USA Fire Department.
Wildfire Hazard Assessments
The State utilizes an assessment form patterned after the NFPA�s 1144 assessment form. The NCDFR anticipates that 200 neighborhood/community hazard assessments will be completed by the end of 2005. The NCDFR is also working with the Division of Emergency Management to integrate fire hazard assessments into their FEMA/Homeland Security County Risk Assessments. The State is actively involved in the Southwide fire hazard assessment that is currently being developed.
Fuels reduction
Three projects have been conducted by the NCDFR to reduce the threat of wildfires. These are the WUI Fire Training and Demonstration project, the New River Highlands Forest Recovery Project and the Wildfire Risk Training and Fuel Reduction Utilization Project.
Homeowner assistance
Assistance for reducing hazardous fuels is planned in 14 high-risk communities across the State. A primary focus of the state�s assistance to property owners is the installation of firelines at no cost to the owner. The owner then conducts the burns. In the next year a cost-share program will be offered to property owners within three miles of National Forest Lands. The State hopes to establish cost-share program for burning on all NIPF lands in the future.
The NCDFR purchased equipment for installing dry hydrants in four counties � Anson, Montgomery, Moore, and Richmond. Training is scheduled to teach community members how to install the hydrants.
Contact Information
For more information about the North Carolina WUI wildfire mitigation program, contact, via email, Robin Carter at [email protected] or Shardul Raval at [email protected].
|
|
