RIDGWAY — Wildfires are more likely to impact communities in Elk and McKean counties as people in rural communities build homes closer to forest areas. In response to the increased risk, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan is being developed and the public is being asked to help.
Because wildfires are a growing threat in rural communities, Allegheny National Forest officials asked Elk and McKean counties to discuss creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, said Project Manager Victoria Amato.
Forest fires are becoming more prevalent and larger due to a build-up of forest fuels, such as brush, Amato said.
The Community Wildfire Protection Plan will help to identify areas that are at the greatest risk for wildfires, create a plan to thin vegetation and develop recommendations for other actions homeowners can take to reduce the risk of wildfires near them.
“Emergency response is only one part of the wildfire equation. Homeowners that are at risk from wildfires must also take action to reduce the risk to their properties through developing defensible space, maintaining good yard hygiene and ensuring their homes are maintained and ‘fire wise’ so they are as resilient to wildfires as possible,” Amato said.
A core team will be made up of county planning representatives, local fire departments, the U.S. Forest Service, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and other land management representatives. The core team will meet during the next year to identify which areas are most likely to have wildfires and identify actions that can be taken to reduce the risk.
The team is also reaching out to the community through public outreach events that will be held in the coming months, through a survey and a Facebook page now available.
A Community Wildfire Protection Plan empowers local communities by giving them a voice, helping them learn to protect their homes, reduce hazardous fuels on public lands and prevent wildfires, Amato said.
Survey information will help identify areas in each county that are at the greatest risk of wildfires. Plans can then be made to focus on those areas, she said. Knowing where there are gaps that need to be filled will also help fire departments to improve their response to wildfires, whether it be through additional firefighting equipment or water storage.
The plan may have a financial impact on local fire departments and counties, too.
“They will become eligible for many more funding sources that require applicants to have a valid CWPP in place,” Amato said.
One example would be for fuel reduction funds from the Forest Service.
Those in Elk and McKean counties who want to help can take part in a community survey that can be accessed at www.facebook.com/ElkandMcKeanFirePlans/ or atwww.surveymonkey.com/r/DXPNCY.
The first draft of the plan will be ready for the public to review in late summer, with the plan finalized in the fall.
For more information about the plan or to provide additional comments, contact Amato at vamato@swca.com.
