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Southwest Idaho Wildfire Mitigation Forum

Posted at 8:52 PM, May 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-16 19:17:35-04

Fire leaders from local and state departments joined forces Monday for the 4th Annual Southwest Idaho Wildfire Mitigation Forum at the Barber Park Education & Event Center.

 Ada County Parks & Waterways, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Firewise, Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network and the Boise Fire Department hosted the event. 

Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator Captain Jerry McAdams says the forum provides an opportunity for regional stakeholders in wildfire mitigation to meet, network and to share their latest efforts in wildfire mitigation. 

"For homeowners, fire managers, not-for-profits, funding agencies, utility companies and other stakeholders, the forum is designed to encourage new cooperative partnerships and build efficiencies in area wildfire mitigation efforts," McAdams said.

Typical attendees at this forum include members or representatives from multiple fire departments, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, Idaho Firewise, Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office, local university professors, city planners, open space managers, conservation organizations, non-profit organizations, as well as residents and Firewise advocates that live in wildland-urban interface areas. 

McAdams said, "With the increased incidence and severity of wildfires that threaten lives and property in our area, the need to address mitigation efforts in a cooperative fashion with limited resources has become increasingly important."

The forum this year is being hosted by Ada County Parks & Waterways, whose mission includes "protecting resources and natural habitats for the safe enjoyment of our residents and visitors." 

The forum is financially sponsored by the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FACLN), which "encourages the development and sharing of best practices and innovations in order to accelerate the adoption of fire adapted community concepts nationwide."

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Firewise Communities/USA Project Manager, Cathy Prudhomme, will be in attendance to provide an update on national Firewise efforts.

The  Firewise Communities/USA program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to annually reduce their risk from wildland fire.