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Diamondhead Certified Firewise Community/USA |
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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). 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," David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise coordinator, said. "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:
Left: The community of Diamondhead was presented a plaque, Highway signs and a Firewise Communities/USA kit during the Dec. 5, 2006 luncheon and recognition ceremony held at the Hot Springs Central Fire Station. Pictured are: Norm Wagoner, Forest Supervisor-Ouachita National Forest; Terry Smith, Arkansas Senator, Dist. 19; Mark Campbell, General Manager for Diamondhead POA; Matthew Simpson, Diamondhead FireWise Board President and Assistant Chief Lake Hamilton Fire Department; Larry Nance, Deputy State Forester, Arkansas Forestry Commission; and Don McBride, Assistant State Forester-Protection, Arkansas Forestry Commission.
Left: David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator, presents a Firewise cap, T-shirt and Firewise Communities/USA Kit to Matthew Simpson, Diamondhead FireWise board president and Assistant Chief of the Lake Hamilton Fire Department.
Above: Residents of Diamondhead gathered Feb. 3, 2006 to form a FireWise board.
Right: The Diamondhead FireWise Board and representatives from the Arkansas Forestry Commission met at Lake Hamilton Fire Station June 23 to review the results of risk assessments provided by Dr. Kelly Hurt, and develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Left: Dr. Kelly Hurt presents a draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan at the Lake Hamilton Fire Station to the Diamondhead FireWise Board, Superintendent of the Lake Catherine State Park, and representatives from the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
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Diamondhead formed
a FireWise Board on Feb. 3, 2006, and became a Certified
