Strickler

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

The Strickler/Devils Den Firewise board and members of the Strickler VFD met at the fire station on Nov. 22, 2004. Original Firewise board members were Bruce Copeland, president; Floyd Cantrell, secretary; Chris Coker, fire chief; Randall Coker, assistant chief; Kenny Coker, Dena Lamb, Mark Carte, Jessee Cox, Devils Den State Park Superintendent; Dennis Spear, AFC Washington County Ranger, and Kevin Hickie, AFC County Forester.

The agenda included an overview of the Firewise Communities/USA program. Following a break and photo of the group attending, a training session was held to explain how to conduct risk assessments on homes and structures (including cabins, visitor center and maintenance buildings at Devils Den State Park) that are at risk from wildland fire. The board decided to have another meeting to discuss conducting the risk assessments.

"The enthusiasm of this board was outstanding," said David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator. "They were only the second board that organized prior to my attendance. There is much ice storm damaged fuels from recent years that need to be reduced near homes in the Strickler Fire District, and also around the cabins in Devils Den State Park."