COLUMBUS, OH -- As wildfires scorch large acres in southern California and cause hundreds to lose their homes, Ohio's state foresters are launching a new education program designed to help woodland-area residents of the state safeguard their properties from similar tragedies.
The new program, "FireWise Ohio," will work closely with local fire departments and citizens to develop fire safety plans and to educate homeowners on wildfire protection, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"An average of 1,100 families a year in America lose their homes to wildfire," said Aaron Kloss, FireWise coordinator for the ODNR Division of Forestry. "We want to provide those Ohioans living in potential wildfire danger areas with the tools and information needed to protect their families and their property."
In Ohio, about 1,000 wildfires consume as much as 4,000 to 6,000 acres of forest and grassland each year. During the drought of 1999, Ohio lost more than 8,000 acres to wildfires.
"For many, the words 'wildfire' and 'Ohio' might not seem to go together because we haven't seen the type of enormous, landscape infernos that are currently ravaging southern California," said Kloss. "But, it's important to understand that wildfires here in Ohio are just as dangerous and unpredictable as the out-of-state fires we see on television."
The "FireWise Ohio" program is a part of a national program started more than 10 years ago by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Programs often include the support of community planners, elected officials, builders, developers, landscapers, insurance agents and local fire officials.
Ohio's state foresters will use the program to:
- Provide home risk assessment and safety advice.
- Promote the use of landscaping and building techniques that will minimize wildfire threats.
- Conduct a statewide study to identify communities at greater risk for wildfires and provide them increased fire education assistance.
Communities or individuals interested in participating in the "FireWise Ohio" program should contact Aaron Kloss with the ODNR Division of Forestry at 614-265-6896, or visit the department's FireWise web site at ohiodnr.com/forestry.