|
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: |
Frenchtown, MT-- Fire District Fuels Reduction Project
|
|
Type: |
Regulatory
Homeowner assistance
Fuelbreaks
Firewise community recognition programs
|
|
Jurisdiction: |
Fire District
|
|
State: |
Montana
|
|
Program Description: |
Frenchtown Fire District, Montana -- a Firewise Community. In 2001, the Frenchtown Fire Department, received a grant from the National Fire Plan to do fuel reduction work. By December, 2001 almost 1000 risk assessments of homes in the wildland-urban interface were completed, and fuel reduction work was done on 102 homes, plus clearing five miles of roadway.
Methodology
A representative of the Fire Department visits homeowners for a free risk assessment. Using the NFPA 299 format, the home is assessed for wildfire risk. The homeowner is educated about hazards around the home, and given a list of corrections to bring the house into compliance. Homeowners contribute $100 as their cost-share, and the Fire Department then sends a crew to clear vegetation and create defensible space around the home. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain the reduced fuel environment after the clearing.
The program has been very well received by homeowners. Residents report sleeping better at night, and feeling safer in their homes. They also report being pleased with the aesthetic look of the finished properties, and understanding the necessity of removing some of their trees. Many homeowners were inspired to continue the work by clearing an even larger area around the home, and replacing their wood shingle roofs. By working one-on-one with homeowners, FFD has been successful at educating the public about the risk of wildfire, and getting them to take the steps necessary to reduce that risk. And they have reduced fuel hazards by thinning and pruning in strategic areas. New homes in the fire district now require a Fire Safety Permit, giving the Fire Chief some say in the siting of new homes.
Cost
With a crew of fifteen, Frenchtown Fire Dept. spent $37,000, less homeowner contributions of $8000, to provide fuel reduction around 102 homes on 500-1000 acres of forested land. This compares favorably with the suppression costs of the Sawmill Gulch Fire, which used over 50 people and cost $70,000 to suppress a fire on thirteen acres.
Contact Information
For more information contact Scott Waldron.
|
|
