FIREWISE PROGRAM HELPS SAVE LIVES

AND REDUCE PROPERTY LOSS

EAST LANSING, Mich. – People migrating from urban to rural areas, may be moving into potential wildfire zones without even knowing it.

The Firewise Communities Program is a national effort that is now being implemented across the state of Michigan to help educate homeowners about the risks of wildfire.

“The Firewise program was created to reduce the loss of property and lives due to wildfires,” says Mark Hansen, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension wildfire specialist. “We help people recognize the risks of wildfires and then show them how to prevent damage to homes and buildings should a wildfire occur.”

Hansen added that most people are not aware that Michigan experiences 8,000 to 10,000 wildfires each year in Michigan. Firewise programs are available to local communities that want help in educating residents, or in planning wildfire prevention. Programs include suggestions for creating defensible space around the home and providing emergency vehicle access in hard-to-reach areas.

To learn more about preventing wildfires in Michigan, visit the MSU Extension Emergency Management Web site at www.msue.msu.edu/emergency, or contact your local MSU Extension office or Michigan Department of Natural Resources office.

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