Diamondhead

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

Diamondhead formed a Firewise board on Feb. 3, 2006, and became a recognized Firewise Community/USA on Oct. 18, 2006. A luncheon and recognition ceremony was held in their honor Dec. 5, 2006, at the Hot Springs Central Fire Station. Guests included Firewise board members and representatives from the Lake Hamilton Fire Department, Hot Springs Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service and the Arkansas Forestry Commission, as well as city and county leaders. Pictured are Norm Wagoner, Forest Supervisor-Ouachita National Forest; Terry Smith, Arkansas Senator, District 19; Mark Campbell, General Manager for Diamondhead POA; Matthew Simpson, Diamondhead Firewise board president, Lake Hamilton FD Assistant Chief; Larry Nance, Deputy State Forester, and Don McBride, Assistant State Forester-Protection (photo at right).

Dr. Kelly Hurt, Arkansas FireWise consultant, worked with the Lake Hamilton Fire Protection Association, the Diamondhead Property Owners Association and representatives from the Arkansas Forestry Commission to conduct wildfire hazard assessments and develop a plan to address safety concerns. According to Hurt, the average wildfire risk level is moderate for homes in Diamondhead, with fuel loading and adequate defensible space a major concern.

On June 23, 2006, the Diamondhead Firewise board and AFC representatives met with Hurt to review the completed risk assessments on wildland/urban interface homes in the community, and finalize the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) (photo at left).

"It was an excellent meeting that included the development of a plan which, when implemented, will greatly reduce the risk to many homes in the wildland/urban interface," said David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator. "The board is definitely making a difference in their community."

The Diamondhead Firewise board hosted a prevention-themed educational day. The local fire department was invited to demonstrate advanced firefighting techniques and a live auto extraction, in addition to displaying equipment. Smoke detector batteries were handed out courtesy of the Energizer Corporation. The Arkansas Department of Health was on-hand to provide free tetanus shots and brought a display on Healthy Arkansas. The community's Firewise plan was presented to the public, and residents were given the opportunity to view their home's assessment results. A Firewise display was manned by Smokey Bear, where practical Firewise tips were given to residents.

"We are in a rural, wooded setting which is susceptible to wildfire. I think the information and guidance we have received through the Firewise program is invaluable," said Mark Campbell, General Manager of the Diamondhead Property Owners Association. "Firewise has made Diamondhead a much safer place to live. We appreciate all the program and Kelly Hurt have provided to us."

Firewise board members include Suellen Simpson, Hot Springs County Health Department; Bill Milligan, homebuilder and firefighter; Matt Simpson, chairman, Lake Hamilton FD Assistant Chief; Loren Shanek, Diamondhead Police Department, Lake Hamilton FD Fire Chief; Kathy Lockette, Lake Hamilton FD; Darrell Allison, Diamondhead Realty; Charlie Wentworth, Farmers Insurance; Mark Campbell, Diamondhead Property Owners Association, and Bill Howard, AFC Saline County Ranger.

Left: David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator, presents a Firewise cap, T-shirt and a Firewise Communities/USA kit to Matthew Simpson, Diamondhead Firewise board president and Lake Hamilton FD Assistant Chief.