H-wick recognized as Firewise community

The City of Howardwick was recognized as a Firewise Community by the Texas Forest Service during a presentation on January 19.

The program gives local volunteers certified training in methods to prevent wildfires in communities, according to Heidi Phelps, a member of the Howardwick Firewise Committee and the Howardwick Fire Bees.

Phelps said Howardwick is one of only four communities in the Panhandle to receive this designation by the forest service.

Since 2002, The Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program has empowered neighbors to work together in reducing their wildfire risk. There are more than 1,300 recognized Firewise communities from across the nation, taking action and ownership in preparing and protecting their homes against the threat of wildfire.

Using a five-step process, communities develop an action plan that guides their residential risk reduction activities, while engaging and encouraging their neighbors to become active participants in building a safer place to live.

Steps to become a Firewise community include:

Obtain a wildfire risk assessment as a written document from your state forestry agency or fire department. Form a board or committee and create an action plan based on the assessment; Conduct a “Firewise Day” event; Invest a minimum of $2 per capita in local Firewise actions for the year; and Submit an application to the state forest service.