Joplin

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

On Oct. 23, 2007, Joplin was recognized for its fifth year of Firewise Community/USA participation during a luncheon and recognition ceremony held in the banquet hall of Mount Magazine State Park Lodge. Accepting a plaque presented by Governor Mike Beebe were Bob Bochik, Tera Bochik, Glen Mayle, Ken Mattson, Bill Barnes, Colleen Helms, Debi Barnes and Rita Arnett (photo at right).

Leadership for the Joplin Firewise board comes from its motivated and well-equipped volunteer fire department. Bill Barnes, owner of Mountain Harbor Resort, is also the Joplin Fire Chief. Barnes hosted the Arkansas FireWise Team for the Wildland Fire School and a Firewise lecture in February 2003. Following the meeting, the attendees were able to view some of fire department's equipment, as well as a fireboat.

The Joplin Volunteer Fire Department's December 2004 Firewise mitgiation project helped a female resident who lives alone. The team cleaned and cleared a zone around the house, removing rotted firewood and other building materials. They also piled and burned leaves and forest debris, and cleaned the roof valleys and gutters. Fifteen volunteers gave four hours each to help keep their community Firewise. (2004 mitigation project photos)

Wanda Eckhardt of Mount Ida received Firewise assistance from 12 volunteer firefighters on March 13, 2005. Volunteers cleaned fuel such as leaves and dead limbs, cut out brush and smaller bushes from the defensible space, inspected and cleaned the roof and gutters, and lit a back fire to create a fire break between the residence and the woodlands. Volunteers included Terry Beavers, Kenn Greene, Larry Chastain, Jan Chastain, Bob Lane, Ann Greene, Ken Mattson, David Spears, Bob Matthews, Jake Ingoglia, Bill Barnes and Debi Barnes.

On Oct. 26, 2006, a regional federal review team visited Joplin to learn how residents have benefitted from the Firewise program. During their visit, David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator, presented Joplin with an Arkansas FireWise Community banner for use during Firewise projects or community events (photo at left).

On April 16, 2007, Bunny Lester, Larry Chastain and Jan Chastain of the Joplin VFD participated in a prescribed burn to reduce the risk around four homes. The burn began at 9:30 a.m., and wrapped up around 2 p.m. Fire engines were also on site in case they were needed. (2007 mitigation project photos)

The community is also featured on the National Firewise Communities web site www.firewise.org.

2004 Mitigation Project

2007 Mitigation Project

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