Denver

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

The community of Denver organized a Firewise board on March 16, 2006, and became an officially recognized Firewise Community/USA on Aug. 24, 2006. A luncheon and recognition ceremony was held Dec. 14, 2006 at the Clinton Presidential Library.

Accepting a plaque and highway signs on behalf of the community of Denver was Beth Randleman, Alpena Fire Chief. She is pictured with 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.

There are 102 homes in the small community started between 1836 and 1840. It's located on County Roads 846 and 811, and is approximately 10 miles northwest of Alpena, 15 miles northeast of Green Forest and 15 miles south of the Missouri state line. The local industry is mainly composed of farming and poultry, with a small air strip and aircraft repair business. Fire protection for the area is provided by the Alpena Fire Department.

For their first Firewise project, volunteers chose to clear limbs, tall grass and debris from county road signs. This would make it easier for emergency services to find homes in the event of an emergency. Nine volunteers gathered to aid in the project.