wild fire

NFPA Program Addresses Wildfire Prevention

  February 11, 2022


By Dan Hounsell


The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm announce that the funding award application period for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is open. Up to 100 participants from across the country are eligible to receive $500 awards to complete a planned wildfire risk reduction project on event day, Saturday, May 7, 2022. To be considered for a project funding award, participants must apply by Friday, February 25, 2022. 

The national campaign provides an opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together to complete projects that can help make their buildings, homes and communities safer from wildfire. Research shows risks can be lessened when residents invest time in preparing their buioldings, homes and landscaping to reduce the damage caused by embers during a wildfire. Projects undertaken on Preparedness Day, which can range from a short time commitment up to an entire day, can include: 

Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of three to five feet of a home’s foundation, continuing up to a 30-foot distance around the home, as time permits, and disposing of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles. 

  • Clearing roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers. 
  • Collecting downed tree limbs and broken branches and taking them to a disposal site. 
  • Screening or boxing-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. 

Dan Hounsell is senior editor, facility group.

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