Smokey Bear awards seek nominations in wildfire prevention work
Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Through the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) program, NASF, the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council sponsor the national Smokey Bear Awards to recognize outstanding service in the prevention of human-caused wildfires and to increase public recognition and awareness of the need for continuing wildfire prevention efforts. In the world of wildfire prevention there is no greater honor. Deadline for nominations is February 17, 2012.Fire prevention grants available
Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2011FM Global, a private insurance corporation, is offering financial support to organizations working to combat fire. Fire departments and brigades, as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations can apply for funding to support a wide array of fire prevention, preparedness and control efforts, including fire prevention education and training programs.
Arizona's biggest wildfire caused by unattended campfire
Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011Sad day for Smokey Bear: Federal charges have been filed against two cousins accused of accidentally causing the largest forest fire in Arizona’s history by leaving a campfire unattended.
New Smokey Bear PSAs target outdoor burning
Posted on Wednesday, June 29, 2011The
Ad Council, along with the USDA Forest Service and NASF, launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring Smokey Bear that target outdoor burning, a major cause of unwanted, human-caused wildfires across the country. The PSAs are designed to encourage Americans to be proactive about wildfire prevention and step in when they see someone acting carelessly. Visit www.smokeybear.com for more information.
Canada looks to emulate FireWise
Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2011A non-profit group in Canada is seeking $1 million for a national pilot project called FireSmart to raise awareness about how forest communities can reduce the risk of destructive wildfires. Partners in Protection is made up of volunteers from the Canadian Forest Service, Parks Canada, provincial and territorial governments, industry and some municipalities in Western Canada. The FireSmart pilot is similar to the FireWise Communities project in the U.S. that is sponsored by NASF, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Correction: Smokey Bear curriculum updated link
Posted on Monday, April 4, 2011A link for the new in-school wildfire prevention curiculum in last week's newsletter was incorrect. The correct link is: http://www.smokeybear.com/resources.asp
New Smokey Bear curriculum released for grades K-2
Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2011A new in-school wildfire prevention program for Grades K through 2 is now available. Produced jointly by the U.S. Forest Service, NASF and the Ad Council, the new curriculum will introduce a whole new generation of children to Smokey Bear's Five Rules for Wildfire Prevention. The free materials can be downloaded at http://www.smokeybear.com/resources.
South Carolina State Forester advocates stiffer penalties to deter careless burning
Posted on Friday, March 11, 2011South Carolina state forestry officials say their agency doesn't have the firepower it once had, so they're looking for help from the courts. The state's forester has asked magistrates and judges statewide to impose stiffer penalties for anyone found responsible for starting wildfires.
Arizona State Forester cites thinning to prevent large wildfires later
Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2011Arizona's forests must be thinned to address overgrowth that harms watersheds and endangers wildlife and surrounding communities, the state's top forestry official told lawmakers this week.
2010 Firewise Leadership Award winners announced
Posted on Friday, March 4, 2011The National Fire Protection Association's Firewise Communities program has announced the 2010 Firewise Leadership Award winners, recognizing the most significant local efforts in safeguarding people and communities from the threat of wildfire.
