Eureka Springs

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

Eureka Springs was recognized for earning Firewise Community/USA status during a luncheon presentation Sept. 8, 2005, at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. Presenting the award were Jim Smalley, Wildland Fire Protection Manager of the National Fire Protection Association; Larry Nance, Deputy State Forester, and David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator. (Pictured at left are Deputy State Forester Larry Nance, Mayor Kathleen Harrison and Fire Chief David Stoppel. Pictured below are Jim Smalley, Kathleen Harrison, Assistant Fire Chief Jim Kelley and David Stoppel)

Eureka Springs began participating in the Firewise program in November 2004 by assessing community risk, organizing a Firewise board and developing a plan for wildfire prevention and mitigation.

Community leaders who initiated the Firewise project in Eureka Springs include Darrell Bohannon, Cathy and James Fetty, Jim Kelley, Justin Fuson, Donna Ross, Julie and Don Alberson and Joe Head.

On Oct. 25, 2006, the Eureka Springs Fire Department presented their community's accomplishments to a regional federal review team touring Arkansas Firewise Communities. Jim Kelley shared how the department was able to make public properties within the city limits "Firewise" with the use of County "309s" (prisoners) provided by the Carroll County Sheriff's Department. (Photo below)