The May Arkansas FireWise Home of the Month belongs to Tom and Holly Freehling. Located on Highway 23, about two miles south of Eureka Springs, the Freehling home is another wonderful demonstration of how natural beauty and modern-day wisdom come together in a Firewise setting.

The Freehlings moved to their new home in June 2002. All was well for a few months, but in early March 2003, there was a wildfire approximately a quarter-mile north of their home that was started by a downed power line. This raised their concern.

Then in April, another wildfire broke out and burned for five days just southeast of their home. They could see smoke every day as firefighters battled high winds and low humidity. The fire kept escaping the control lines and nearly burned the Lone Star Bible Church and the home next to it. The blaze bumped Highway 23 just one mile from the Freehling home. This fire really scared them, and they decided it was time to make their home Firewise.

First, they hired a bushhog to cut back all the vegetation on their property. Then they started making plans to clean out the pond behind their home. They also expanded the defensible space around their home.

The home boasts a new fire-resistant composition shingle roof, and the address is clearly marked on the mailbox right on Highway 23. The trees are well-spaced and ladder fuels have been removed. The ample circle drive allows easy access for emergency vehicles. Also note, the firewood pile is more than 30 feet from the home.

The Freehlings are learning more about Firewise, and the simple Firewise measures that can help them reduce the risk of ignition to their home form a wildland fire.