Firewise Communities in Lake County ignite action for National Wildfire Preparedness Day

As National Wildfire Preparedness Day heats up on May 4, several Firewise Communities in the Cobb area and elsewhere in the county are taking action to raise awareness and tackle fire hazards headon. The Seigler Springs Community Redevelopment Association (SSCRA), a local 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to community resilience, is pleased to announce the selection of their Cobb area project by the National Fire Protection Association as one of 10 awardees nationwide helping residents prepare for wildfires.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a campaign that encourages people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks. It is held annually in the United States and Canada on the first Saturday in May. The SSCRA community project includes five of the sixteen Firewise Communities in the county:

Anderson Springs is setting their sights on four particularly overgrown parcels that pose a threat to the neighborhood. By coordinating efforts, residents aim to clear these areas and significantly reduce the potential for a devastating wildfire.

Firewise Group 2 behind the Cobb Mountain Elementary School isn't wasting any time either. They're kicking off a week-long campaign to boost preparedness. It all starts with a Community Cleanup Day, where residents can join forces to clear brush and debris.

The day culminates in a potluck meeting, fostering a sense of community while discussing fire safety strategies. To make things easier, C&S Waste Solutions has pledged their support by offering waste disposal assistance.

Cobb View Firewise Community along Highway 175 is taking a different approach, responding to a specific recommendation from Calfire officials. This Firewise Community will be clearing a corner lot that will improve the line of sight and encroachment of vegetation along a key section of an evacuation route, creating a safer and more efficient path for residents to escape in case of fire.

Over at the Loch Lomond Firewise Community, residents are tackling the issue of overgrown scotch broom and other highly flammable vegetation and debris. To make removal easier, the community is providing hauling services, ensuring these fire hazards are properly disposed of.

While the SSCRA received this prestigious grant, the Seigler Springs Firewise Community, a separate entity, is also sparking action. They are offering hauling services for residents to remove brush and debris, mirroring the proactive efforts of other Firewise Communities across Lake County.

To find out whether your Firewise Community has any projects in your area, or to learn more about how you can start your own Firewise Community and be eligible for 10% insurance discount, go to the Lake County Fire Safe Council website for a list of the communities in Lake County and contact information: https://firesafelake.org/firewise/