Bella Vista Fire Department

Bella Vista is part of the Firewise USA program, a wildfire safety, education, and prevention program partnered with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division. Firewise helps tailor prevention and education efforts to the wildfire needs of each area of the state. The Bella Vista Fire Department initiated this program partnership, and the POA is working with the BVFD to communicate the benefits of this program to all residents. The main messages are:

• Homeowners should create defensible space (area directly surrounding structures) so homes are more easily protected from wildfire.

• Defensible space is lean, clean and green. A lean space has mowed, short grass; trees trimmed of branches six feet from the ground; and maintained landscaping that does not touch roofs or windows. A clean space is cleared of debris such as vehicles, yard toys, tools and other material that could be flammable. Green space is free of dead vegetation including leaves, pine needles, sticks and twigs. Aim to have a home surrounded by only healthy, live vegetation because it is less flammable than dead, dry debris.

• Defensible space acts as a barrier between homes and forested or wildland areas. Consider anything that could transfer fire between homes and surrounding vegetation a wildfire hazard.

The primary objectives of the Forestry Division are:

• Educate homeowners about the importance of defensible space.

• Train and educate fire departments and communities about how to prevent wildfires and wildfire damage.

• Work with communities throughout Arkansas on their Firewise USA education needs.

• Manage the grant funds and paperwork associated with recognizing participating Firewise USA sites.

The POA will continue to provide information to all residents on this program. For questions, contact Jason Bowman, Fire Inspector, BVFD, at 479- 855-8270.