As we usher in the 21st century, one of the major issues we face in the Northeast is the loss of forested space. It has become more important than ever to properly plan new housing areas and to develop good standards for existing ones.

History has shown that well-planned communities are aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for residents. One of the issues that benefits from planning is that of wildland fire protection. Local fire codes, roofing materials, landscaping and road placement can be factored into a plan before a crisis occurs. More fires occur east of the Mississippi River than west.
Wildland fire does impact us here.

You are invited to become one of the first to participate in the new Pennsylvania Firewise Medal Community program. Firewise communities are those that (1) avoid potential fire emergencies by addressing and correcting fire hazards and (2) prepare themsielves in the event a wildland fire threatens.

You may be closer than you think to qualifying for Gold Medal Status.
Here is how you do it:

1. Prepare an Emergency Action Plan. If you have questions, call the County Emergency Management Association (EMA). Local EMA telephone numbers are listed in A Model Prevention, Pre-suppression and Preparedness Plan which can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Forestry. When the plan is completed, get all the necessary signatures.

2. Request a copy of the National Fire Protection Association 299. Standard for Protection of Life and Property from Wildfire from the District Forestry Office nearest you. The standard contains wildfire protection information along with a hazard evaluation form. It will be sent to you immediately.

3. Self-administer the hazard evaluation.

4. Call the District Forestry Office representative nearest you and request that a Bureau of Forestry representative visit your property in order to confirm your score. DCNR, Bureau of Forestry telephone numbers can be obtained on the Pennsylvania State Forests page.

5. The DCNR, Bureau of Forestry will advise you of your medal status--Gold, Silver or Bronze. Once this has been determined, a handsome plaque will be prepared for you to post in one of your public areas.