Date: April 22, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Hampshire Celebrates Wildfire Awareness Week
(Concord, NH) – In conjunction with the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection
Commission’s Prevention Education Working Team, New Hampshire will be
observing April 20-26th as Wildfire Awareness Week. As a member of the
Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission since 1949, New Hampshire is
joined by six states, four Canadian provinces, the New England National
Forests, the National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service in
an international compact focused on cooperation in preventing and
suppressing wildfires. The compact provides opportunities for agency members
to train together and share valuable resources when a wildfire or natural
disaster strikes. “With eighty-four percent of New Hampshire covered by
forests, protecting our communities and natural resources from wildfire
remains a top priority,” said Brad Simpkins, Interim Director of the NH
Division of Forests and Lands. Each year the Granite State experiences an
average of 400 wildfires, many of which are caused by human carelessness.
Most, if not all of these fires could be avoided if people would take the
time to review the laws, rules and regulations before striking a match.
The Division of Forests and Lands will be staffing area fire towers, using
aerial reconnaissance, and staffing additional patrols beginning this month
in an effort to support area fire departments in detecting fires early.
“Catching fires while they are still small is better for firefighter safety,
they’re less expensive to suppress, and they cause less damage, so we put a
heavy emphasis on early detection”
Simpkins noted.
As our state’s population continues to expand into previously undeveloped
areas where homes become intermixed with forests, wildfires can also
threaten life and property.
“Each year we continue to see more structures threatened and impacted by
wildfires” said Doug Miner, Forest Ranger and Fire Prevention Specialist.
Every homeowner should consider the value of implementing “Firewise”
recommendations to reduce the threat of wildfire to their property. By
working together with their local Forest Fire Warden and fire department,
landowners can take steps to create defensible space around their
structures. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local fire
department, Forest Ranger or visit the Firewise Communities website at
www.firewise.org <http://www.firewise.org/> for additional information.
As Smokey Bear has reminded us for nearly seventy years, Only You Can
Prevent Wildfires! As we observe Wildfire Awareness Week please take the
time to speak to your children about the dangers of fire. Because wildfires
burn more than just trees!
The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, Forest Protection Bureau is
part of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. To learn more
about the Division of Forests and Lands, visit www.nhdfl.org
<http://www.nhdfl.org/> or call 603-271-2214