MOUNT JEWETT — The Mount Jewett Fire Department will be receiving free firefighting equipment from the US Forest Service thanks to the completion of McKean County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
The plan is used to identify areas at risk for wildland fire in McKean County as well as offer recommendations for vegetation thinning treatments and other mitigation actions homeowners can take to reduce wildfire risk.
The idea for the plan began back in March of 2015 when the McKean County Board of Commissioners met with Peter To, forest fire management officer with the Allegheny National Forest. In the meeting, To explained that there was the potential to receive federal grant money and used firefighting equipment from the federal forest service for communities that have a completed plan.
According to To, after listening to his presentation, the McKean County commissioners realized that “it could be a benefit to the citizens of the county because many live in areas that are susceptible to wildfires.”
“The CWPP can help residents identify what makes their homes vulnerable” To said. “It also describes actions they can take to limit their vulnerability should a wildfire occur.”
Several fire companies in McKean County participated in preparing the plan. Each fire department chief was sent a survey to determine their level of expertise in fighting wildfires, if they had the proper equipment needed when responding to a wildfire, and the challenges they faced. The information was then incorporated into the plan.
Mount Jewett is the first municipality in McKean County chosen to receive a donation of firefighting equipment. The fire department will be receiving the following: A slip-on unit/skid unit, a water tank, a pump and an engine to drive the pump. It will all be mounted on a skid designed to be slid into or onto the open or flat bed of a suitable truck.
To added that the ultimate goal of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan is to educate the public about the dangers of wildfires. Fire departments can also utilize the plan to support a grant application for training and education dollars as well as receive used firefighting equipment at no cost from the federal forest service. Jeremy Morey, director of the McKean County Planning Department, stated he is very happy with the final plan.
“After almost two years of working with the ANF, DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, SWCA, the local fire departments and McKean County, it is gratifying to see the final outcome,” Morey said. “My hope is that residents of the county will take the time to view the plan and utilize some of what they learn to protect their family and their property from the threat of wildfire.”
