January 2004

The January 2004 Arkansas FireWise Home of the Month belongs to Bobby and Gladys Carlton, who live on Highway 21 North at Clarksville. Fred Taylor, chair of the Johnson County FireWise Board, presented their certificate to Gladys Carlton, and the couple's daughter, Charlee. Also attending the ceremony were Patricia Kowalewycz, District Ranger, and Jack Edwards, Fire Management Officer, both from the Pleasant Hill Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest. David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator, was also present.

The Carlton home is sided with brick, and uses Class-A asphalt shingles for the roof. Both ignition-resistant materials are excellent choices when building a Firewise home.

The landscape around the home is kept "lean, clean and green" providing an excellent defensive space. The concrete walkway around the home provides added protection.

In keeping with Firewise guidelines, the house address is clearly marked so that emergency personnel can quickly identify it. The home's location right on the highway also provides easy access for emergency vehicles.

Even though the home has access to city water, a pond is being constructed behind it to provide an emergency water supply.