Little River Canyon National Preserve Arson Fires Spark Interest in FIREWISE
Since the beginning of March 2006, Little River Canyon National Preserve has experienced five arson fires, totaling approximately 2,000 acres. A 20 person hand crew (the Navajo Scout #6 from the Navajo Nation in Arizona) and one Type 6 engine from the Talladega National Forest were brought in to help with mop up and be on standby for initial attack. All but one of the fires started on the park. The other fire started on private land bordering the park. The park provided initial attack response and called in the Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department, one of the park’s Rural Fire Assistance partners, to assist.
Soon after the fires, the park's fire coordinator received a request to share a FIREWISE presentation with the local Kiwanis club in Fort Payne, Alabama. The presentation was conducted on March 15 and offered suggestions to help the community learn how they could help protect their homes and businesses from wildland urban interfaces fires.
The following are tips for protecting your place in the wildland urban interface:
Remove all dead vegetation and low tree branches within 30 feet of all buildings.
Keep roofs and eaves free of needles, leaves, and overhanging branches.
Make sure your home's address and street sights are all visible from the road.
Consider alternatives to burning yard waste. Compost, chip, or shred instead.
