Alpena

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

Alpena became a recognized Firewise Community/USA in the summer of 2006. A recognition ceremony was held Dec. 14, 2006, in the Clinton Presidential Library Garden View Room.

Accepting a plaque on behalf of the community was Beth Randleman, Alpena Fire Chief. Presenting the award were John Shannon, State Forester; Tony Siciliano, Arkansas FireWise Consultant; Patricia Siciliano, Arkansas FireWise Consultant; Michele Steinberg, Firewise Communities Support Manager, and Don McBride, Assistant State Forester-Protection.

The town of Alpena is located on Highways 62 and 412, with the majority of the city limits in Boone County and the remainder in Carroll County.

Boone County was formed in April 1869, from the eastern side of Carroll County. Because Alpena straddles both counties, it's believed residents started settling in Alpena around that same time.

The Alpena Rural Fire Department serves not only the town of Alpena, but also Hugh, Denver, Carrollton and Coin, along with approximately 88 square miles of rural area.

The Alpena Firewise board was formed March 16, 2006, with Beth Randleman as board president. Additional board members are Paul Morris, vice chairman; Angela Harris, Larry Harris, Bobbie Bailey, Mayor, and Pat Fields.

Residents of Alpena conducted risk assessments on homes throughout their community and reviewed the results to create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. (Photo at right)

For the community's first Firewise project, board members gathered May 26, 2006, to burn and assist in cleaning a lot for the Alpena School District.

The property was originally classed as residential, but years later the school district purchased and used the existing structure for a facility for the Headstart program. After the Headstart program outgrew the building, the school had the building demolished by a local contractor. Upon demolition of the structure, the Superintendent contacted the fire department to assist in cleaning the overgrown lot.

The fire department utilized this control burn as a training exercise for all the members present. (Photos below)