PIGEON FORGE, TN — The City of Pigeon Forge Fire Department (PFFD), wildfire safety experts from the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise® Communities Program www.firewise.org and the Tennessee Division of Forestry are working together to assist Pigeon Forge residents and businesses in an effort to become nationally recognized as a Firewise community in 2017.
The Firewise USA™ program provides a number of proven tools and resources for homeowners and other community residents to help prepare for and reduce the risk of wildfire damage and loss. The City of Pigeon Forge has officially adopted the Firewise USA Program which will help to educate residents and business owners in preparation of wildfires that might affect the City.
More than 1,400 communities in the U.S. have dramatically lowered their risk of wildfire damage by participating in the Firewise Communities/USA® Recognition Program. For more information, visit www.firewise.org or contact the Pigeon Forge Fire Department.
Firewise prevention includes:
• Clearing leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks
• Removing fuel, in this case vegetation and man-made structures, within three to five feet of a home’s foundation and out buildings, including garages and sheds. Any combustible should not touch a home
• Removing dead vegetation within 30 to 100 feet of a home
• Landscaping with native and less-flammable plants. State forestry or county extension agents have additional information on which plants are best.
A public meeting will be held on August 22 to get people involved. The event will be held at the LeConte Events Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Light food and beverages will be served.
“Ideally, residents and business owners will be working side-by-side with firefighters and City planners to create defensible space in and around their neighborhoods. If you have ever wanted to volunteer to make a difference in your community, we want to talk with you.” said Fire Chief Tony Watson.
The Fire Chief and the City Administration invite everyone to a public meeting to learn more about Firewise and how you can help make a positive impact within the City.
Representatives from the Fire Department and Tennessee Division of Forestry will be present to provide education and answer questions about the Firewise Program.
