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March 11, 2006
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP IN SCIOTO COUNTY NAMED FIRST “FIREWISE COMMUNITY/USA” IN OHIO
COLUMBUS, OH - Washington Township in Scioto County has been recognized as Ohio’s first “Firewise Community/USA” for its work in wildfire prevention and awareness, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry.
“The Division of Forestry’s Firewise Program works with local fire departments and communities in wildfire-prone regions of the state to reduce the risk of blazes in areas where homes and buildings are adjacent to woodlands and grasslands,” said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Recognition of such efforts through the Firewise Communities/USA Awards program is especially significant at this time in southern Ohio, since debris from the February 2003 ice storm continues to create the potential for large, destructive wildfires.”
This awards program recognizes communities that have invested time, effort and funds into preparing for a wildfire before one occurs. Washington Township Fire Department participated in the Firewise Ohio program, received grant funds from the ODNR Division of Forestry, completed wildfire education and awareness projects in the community and in local schools, and posted wildfire prevention signage in areas of higher risk.
For more information about Firewise Communities/USA or Firewise Ohio, please call 614-265-6896 or visit ohiodnr.com/forestry. Wildfire prevention and education efforts are supported by sales of Smokey Bear license plates, which can be purchased through local deputy registrar offices, on the Internet at OPLATES.COM or by calling toll free 1-888-PLATES3 (752-8373).
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