Boone County FireWise Boards

Tony Siciliano, FireWise consultant, and David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise coordinator, met with Diamond City Mayor Don West, Diamond City Fire Chief George "Sonny" Shuster, South Lead Hill Councilman Robert Smith and Rusty Olson of Lead Hill on January 23.

Both communities are covered with the invasive Eastern Red Cedar with most of the community of Diamond City considered at high-risk from wildland fires.

Tony Siciliano will be working with both communities in completing risk assessments and developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

"We are very pleased that Diamond City and South Lead Hill have joined the Arkansas FireWise Team," said Samuel. "We anticipate that both communities will be recognized this summer. It was a very enjoyable visit with some very dedicated people who want to make their communities safer."

While there, the February 2007 Arkansas FireWise Home of the Month was selected (above right).

The home of Helen Lowery of Diamond City was nominated by George Shuster. The home's wildland fire risk has been greatly reduced as a result of the thinning of cedar trees and removal of ladder fuels on the home's lower side.

On the north and east side, the area is kept "lean, clean and green" with a well-watered lawn and well-maintained flower beds. The south side of the home is protected by the loop driveway.

Community of Diamond City

Community of South Lead Hill