7. Georgia’s Firewise Program
The Georgia Firewise program works
with public and private entities to
educate, train and prepare for a
wildfire event.
The Georgia Firewise programs has
41 certified communities and the
numbers of new communities are
growing each year.
Fire departments and Community
Leaders are our primary audience.
Utilizing the knowledge of leaders
who are already part of the
community, we can make a greater
impact on homeowners. It takes the
efforts of everyone for us to be
successful in gaining area interest,
participation and community
engagement.
8. Why is Firewise needed in Georgia?
2012 Wildfire Statistics
Burning Debris
44.5 %
Arson
36 %
Equipment Use
5.8%
Misc.
9%
Lightning
1.5%
Children
1.1%
Campfire
0.9%
Railroad
0.8%
Smokers
0.5%
The vast majority of Georgia’s wildfires are
caused by humans, intentionally or
unintentionally. Firewise can be the tool that
reduces these statistics through community
awareness. It’s a matter of educating
everyone.
9. Why is Firewise needed in Georgia?
Though most Georgia wildfires are
small with creeping flames; our recent
weather and drought conditions has
created unprecedented fires like these
in SE Georgia. Low humidity and a lack
of moisture can allow for these type of
large fires – which are hard to stop.
10. Fire Adapted Community Program
Towns County Fire Adapted Community
–
–
–
–
Local Leaders
Local, State, and Federal Partners
Communities
Governance
:
– 7 current Firewise Communities
– Town Fire and Rescue RSG
– USFS Fuel Management
13. Fire Adapted Community Program
Towns County Fire Adapted Community
A Successful Coalition
–
–
–
–
Local Leaders
Local, State, and Federal Partners
Communities
Governance
Leading by example:
– 9 current Firewise Communities
– Town Fire and Rescue RSG
– USFS Fuel Management
Building a Regional Legacy:
14. Georgia Firewise Certified Site
Georgia Firewise Certified Sites
Georgia Military Bases
–
–
–
–
Fort Gordon
Fort Benning
Robbins Air force Base
Camp Merrill
Georgia State Parks
– Fort Mountain State Park
– Panola Mountain State Park
– Brasstown Valley Resort
Georgia Boy & Girl Scout Camps
Georgia Stat Prisons
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. Georgia Firewise Campus
Young Harris College (Towns County, GA)
– Student Education & Training
– Wildfire Prevention & Planning
– Evacuation Plans
Toccoa Falls College (Stephens County, GA)
– Mechanical/Prescribed Fire Program
– Mitigation Teams
Berry College (Floyd County, GA)
Georgia College and State University (Baldwin County, GA)
23. Conclusion
By working with Georgia’s fire crews through the Firewise
program, we hope to accomplish the following:
To the public: Heightened awareness of wildfire presence in
Georgia; greater involvement with preventing wildfire.
To fire crews: Sustainable fire prevention plans, involvement
with continual fire mitigation projects, and continuing
leadership in community fire safety efforts.
24. Thank You
We appreciate your time and attention.
To learn more about how Firewise can work with your
community, visit www.georgiafirewise.org or contact
Eric L. Mosley, Fire Mitigation Program Manager at the
contact information below.
Eric L. Mosley
georgiafirewise@gfc.state.ga.us
478-752-1193 office
912-531-7152 cell
