Project Summary Form
Id Number 2006-075
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN-INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Prevention & Education Projects
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
Project Wildfire
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
B
541-322-6396
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
541-322-6319
Please Call Ahead For FAX
H. Independent School District
I. State-Controlled Institution of Higher Learning
J. Private University
K. Indian Tribe
L. Nonprofit Organization
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
63377 Jamison Street Bend, OR 97701
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Katie Lighthall Program Coordinator
Organization/Jurisdiction:
Project Wildfire
Phone: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
541-322-6396
FAX: (111 111-1111 x 1111)
541-322-6319
Call Ahead For FAX
Email:
Klighthall@ci.bend.or.us
Project Information
Project Title:
FireFree Implementation & Expansion
Proposed Project Start Date:
01/01/2006
Federal Funding Request:
$
185,955
Proposed Project End Date:
12/31/2007
Total Project Funding:
$
642,155
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please explain and prioritize:
Project Wildfire is submitting multiple applications. The FireFree Implementation and Expansion application ranks second on our list of
funding priorities, and is interdependent on all our submissions. We have prepared the proposal however, to stand alone.
Brief Project Summary: Who, What, Where, Desired Outcomes in relation to NFP Goals and Community Risk Assessment and
Mitigation Plans (This should summarize page 2).
Created in Central Oregon following the devastating Skeleton Fire of 1996, FireFree is now a national model for homeowner
education and mitigation programs in the Wildland Urban Interface. We are seeking funding to operate and expand the FireFree
program for two years. FireFree creates awareness and educates residents about the risks of wildfire to homes and property and
the steps they should take to reduce those risks. FireFree encourages homeowners to take responsibility for risk mitigation by
creating defensible space around their property and disposing of debris. FireFree in Central Oregon is a highly successful
collaborative effort among local fire agencies, forestry departments, private businesses and the insurance industry. Implementation
and expansion of the FireFree program directly meets the desired outcomes of National Fire Plan goals by including residents in
mitigation planning, and reducing hazardous fuels on individual properties.
Project Location:
Latitude: 43.91453
Longitude: 121.224
County:
Deschutes
Name of Federal, State or Tribal contact with whom you coordinated this proposal:
Federal Congressional District:
2
Telephone number of Contact:
Lisa Clark, Fire Mitigation Specialist, BLM
541-416-6864
Ann Walker, National Fire Plan Coordinator, ODF
503-945-7346
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
541-388-6572
Describe project, including, but not limited to:
x type of project to be delivered
x project location
x method of delivery
x project relationship to community or natural
landscape fire plans
x target audience
x timeliness
x tools and/or skills needed to complete project
x projected timelines and cost estimation
x monitoring and evaluation procedures
For this project, explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning, through a “Local Coordination
Group.” If you haven’t worked with a local coordination group, why not?
Response:
Central Oregon is a high-risk wildfire environment. The FireFree project originated here in Central Oregon with four objectives. 1] Mitigate loss from wildfires
through public education. 2] Develop a program to promote wildfire safety. 3] Change behaviors and attitudes towards wildfire. 4] Involve residents in
protecting their property and reducing their risk. With the implementation of the Healthy Forest Resoration Act and the emphasis placed on completing
community fire plans, the focus on risk mitigation is growing in Central Oregon, right along with the population which continues to explode across the county
and move into WUI areas. The current population in Deschutes County is 130,500. The FireFree program targets these residents and seeks to meet the above
objectives through a comprehensive education and risk mitigation program.
Project Wildfire is now the coordination group that oversees the FireFree program. We have coordinated with the Central Oregon Fire Leadership Council to
present this proposal.
The continued success and expansion of FireFree across Central Oregon and into neighboring counties led to a strategic decision to operate FireFree from a
central organization dedicated to the mitigation of wildfire in the urban interface. Project Wildfire is the steering partnership that unites public and private entities
with one mission: to mitigate the risk of wildfire. Under the umbrella of Project Wildfire, FireFree will be able to better utilize resources and existing partnerships
to expand the FireFree program and continue its success.
This grant will be used in January 2006 through December 2007 to implement and expand the FireFree program. Specifically, it will be used to manage and
expand the FireFree media campaign, update existing materials and videos, and purchase FireFree materials in order to educate the increased number of
residents about the ten FireFree steps and motivate them to implement those steps.
City, County and State agencies are currently working on the completion of the several Community Fire Plans, of which FireFree is a strategic focus for risk
mitigation and homeowner education. FireFree uses a number of tools to deliver the FireFree message to homeowners. The media campaign is the largest
component and includes printed, radio and TV advertising, and the FireFree website. This grant will allow us to update the original video production and
promotional materials for FireFree.
While the spring media blitz is a necessary element for the success of the program, the continued increase in awareness is also the result of the strong
cooperative effort between Project Wildfire, community fire plans, the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-op, all local fire agencies, state and federal forestry
departments, individual businesses and the insurance industry.
Together we target the growing number of high-risk subdivisions to educate resident and homeowner groups. We provide landscapers, nurseries and garden
centers with FireFree educational materials and the FireFree/OSU Extension brochure "Fire Resistive Plants for Oregon Home Landscapes".
As part of the spring FireFree campaign, we coordinate six Clean Up days, prior to the wildfire season. Residents bring unlimited quantities of yard debris to
county recycle sites for free. FireFree partners staff the drop-off stations making contact with residents to further educate them about the FireFree steps. We
are able to monitor and measure results at the drop off sites and document feedback from residents. The debris is then mulched and distributed throughout
Central Oregon on lawns and gardens as part of a biomass recycling program that not only reduces the threat of escaped debris burns, but also contributes to
water conservation.
In 2004, we experienced a 48% increase in the amount of resident participation. Our tracked statistics revealed that 23,137 cubic yards of debris was recycled
by 8,430 residents! FireFree continues to be an overwhelming success in Central Oregon and with assistance from NFP and our partners, we will be able to
expand into neighboring counties.
1. Prevention of Wildland Urban Interface Fire (40 points)
Describe how the proposal will lead to:
A. Reduction of wildland urban interface fire
B. Reduction of structural losses
C. Homeowner action and personal responsibility to reduce fire loss of private land.
Response:
A. Reduction of wildland urban interface fire.
The contacts made throughout the course of the spring FireFree campaign alone result in a more fire conscious and careful public.
The homeowners and residents that participate in the FireFree Clean Up days are a captive audience for additional information. We
take advantage of the educational opportunity to further emphasize the benefits of fire resistive plants, fire resistive building
materials and neighborhood escape planning. 8,430 residents participated in the 2004 FireFree Clean Up days. That's 8,430
backyard burns that didn't escape control. That's also 23,137 cubic yards of combustible vegetation that will not catch fire or ignite
adjacent fuels. Less fuels, in conjunction with homeowners' efforts to create at least 30 feet of defensible space means homesites
are at less risk of wildfire spread. For the 2006 and 2007 campaigns, we will include a fall advertising campaign to homeowners and
residents about the "10 steps to create FireFree zones" as they complete fall clean ups on their property.
B. Reduction of structural losses.
FireFree promotes ten simple steps that lead to a reduction of structural losses, and reduce firefighter risk. Those steps are: 1]
Define defensible space - minimum 30 feet around home. 2] Reduce flammable vegetation - use fire resistive landscaping. 3]
Remove or prune trees in wooded areas. 4] Cut grass and weeds regularly. 5] Relocate wood piles and other combustibles at least
30 feet away from structures. 6] Keep roof and yard clean. 7] Make it easy with signs, addresses and access for firefighters. 8]
Replace combustible wood shake roofs. 9] Recycle yard debris and branches. 10] Know what to do when wildfire strikes.
Homeowners who complete the ten FireFree steps see an immediate reduction in potential structural loss to their own property and
contribute to the reduction of potential wildfire spread in their neighborhoods and surrounding natural environments.
C. Homeowner action and personal responsibility to reduce fire loss of private land.
The FireFree campaign makes it easy for homeowners to recall the steps and take responsibility for risk mitigation on their own
property and contribute to wildfire safety within their own neighborhoods. In one weekend, homeowners can create FireFree zones
on their property. Although most Central Oregon residents realize they live in a high-risk fire environment, many believe that wildfire
is something that happens only in the forests or wooded areas. FireFree educates the public and heightens awareness to the
realities of living in a fire adapted ecosystem.
Through FireFree, homeowners learn to take personal responsibility for mitigating the potential threat of property loss as a result of
fire. Homeowners have six opportunities each spring to bring unlimited amounts of yard debris to recycling stations throughout
Central Oregon, free of charge. FireFree motivates homeowners through the intense media blitz and volunteer saturation of target
neighborhoods with FireFree materials and presentations. FireFree makes it simple for homeowners to take responsibility for the
safety of their property, their communities and their nearby forests.
2.
Community Participation (30 points)
Detail the community participation and collaboration for this project. Define clearly why you believe your group
will be successful in delivering the proposal to the target audience. How will the project be sustained or carried
forward beyond project timelines? How will the project be monitored and evaluated?
Response:
Since 1997, the success of FireFree has been a direct result of the dedication and commitment of the individuals who participate in
bringing the FireFree message to the community. Now that FireFree is operated under Project Wildfire, we expect even greater
results as we will be able to obtain and utilize resources more effectively to implement and expand FireFree to reach target
audiences across Central Oregon, year after year. FireFree is sustained by donations from our partners, grants and the growing
participation of individuals and businesses who are concerned about the real threat of wildfire.
Evaluation of FireFree is measured by the cubic yards of debris recycled each year, the number of participating residents and the
comparable level of awareness about wildfire hazards in our area. The first year of FireFree yielded over 9,000 cubic yards of
combustible debris from 3,510 residents. In 2003, 6,100 participants responded to the call for action by recycling over 15,000 cubic
yards of debris. In 2004, the success of FireFree yielded 23,137 cubic yards of debris from 8,430 residents! At the end of the
project, we utilize data from the campaign to tabulate the statistics and evaluate program success.
3.
Partnerships (30 points)
Detail the level of involvement of any local multi-agency, emergency services, non-profit coordination group, and
provide a list of partners for this project with their current and expected level of involvement, including any kind of
contributions or matching funds. What is the project relationship to a community risk assessment or mitigation
plan? Include the name of the plan, date it was prepared, and local contact to get a copy of the plan if requested.
Response:
Project Wildfire itself is itself a steering committee of 25 representatives from local fire agencies, business members, homeowner
association groups, and local elected officials. As partners in mitigation, the overall mission of Project Wildfire is to mitigate the risk
of wildfire. The level of experience, and dedication to this mission makes Project Wildfire one of the best partnerships on which
FireFree can depend for leadership and support.
Other partners in FireFree include the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Coop, fire districts and departments, USFS, the Central
Oregon Fire Management Service, the BLM, ODF and OSU Extension. Through dedicated individuals with these organizations, the
FireFree message is distributed throughout Central Oregon. The Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2 and Bend Fire
Department contribute hard dollars to the FireFree project each year. Participants also include representatives from Insurance
Companies who assist with community presentations and staffing recycle stations. Bend Garbage and Recycling and Deschutes
County Solid Waste contribute a total of $80,000 in labor to receive and recycle the large amount of combustible debris. Local TV,
radio, and print media match dollar-for-dollar spent up to $20,000. As the FireFree message continues to spread, we take
advantage of every opportunity to generate corporate sponsorship.
FireFree is an integral and strategic part of the community fire plans now being developed county wide. Contact Joe Stutler, [541]
322-7117.
Project Work Form
Tasks
Planning, scheduling spring media campaign and
FireFree Clean Up weekends. Review, update
educational and promo materials.
Time Frame
Responsible Party
Program Coordinator, Media Contractor,
FireFree committee.
January - March 2006
Print/produce updated posters, flyers, mailings,
signs, brochures, videos/CDs and other materials.
Media Contractor.
February - March 2006
Coordinate with individual campaigns to support
projects in outlying areas.
Program Coordinator and FireFree
Committee.
February - March 2006
Program Coordinator, Media Contractor
and Media. All partners and volunteers.
Spring Media Campaign. FireFree Clean Up
Weekends. Track stats for evaluation.
February - June 2006
Prepare, schedule fall media campaign.
Program Coordinator, Media Contractor,
FireFree Committee.
July-October 2006
Program Coordinator, Media Contractor.
Fall media campaign.
August - October
FireFree campaign wrap up, evalaution of feedback
and stats. Prepare final reports and submit to
FireFree partners and grantors.
Program Coordinator, FireFree committee.
October 2006
Program Coordinator and steering
committee
Develop strategic plan for FireFree.
year long
Project Budget
Recycle partners
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Applicant
Media & Contractor
Partner 1
Bend Fire & DCRFPD#2
Partner 2
Total
Partner 3
Personnel
Program Coordinator
Participants
Subtotal
$30,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$30,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$205,000
$205,000
$30,000
$0
$0
$0
$205,000
$235,000
$0
$0
$0
Fringe Benefits
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$7,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$7,000
$0
$0
$0
$7,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$7,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$31,200
$31,200
$4,700
$0
$0
$0
$0
$4,700
$4,700
$0
$0
$0
$31,200
$35,900
$40,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$80,000
$0
$0
$40,000
$20,000
$140,000
$24,255
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$24,255
$104,255
$0
$40,000
$20,000
$164,255
Biomass recycling
$0
$0
$80,000
$0
$0
$80,000
Deschutes Cty Solid Was
$0
$80,000
$0
$0
$80,000
$0
$0
$0
$160,000
$0
$0
$160,000
$185,955
$0
$160,000
$40,000
$256,200
$642,155
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Subtotal
Travel
air, lodging, wrkshp fees
$0
Subtotal
Equipment
Office, phone, tech supp
Laptop & projector
Subtotal
Supplies
FireFree materials
Subtotal
Contractual
Media Campaign
15% to admin grant - OSU
Subtotal
Other
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program)
Income1
___________________________________
1
Program income is the gross revenue generated by a grant or cooperative agreement supported activity during the life of the grant. Program
income can be made by recipients from fees charged for conference or workshop attendance, from rental fees earned from renting out real
property or equipment acquired with grant or cooperative agreement funds, or from the sale of commodities or items developed under the grant
or cooperative agreement. The use of Program Income during the project period may require prior approval by the granting agency.