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06/04/2008: "Firewise Communities Helping Neighbors"

On Saturday, May 10, twenty-three Firewise Community folks dropped by Mitzy and Bear Johnson’s home on Hillview Terrace Dr. to give them a hand at firewising their home.

Five different Firewise Communities located on San Juan Island came with weed whackers, chain saws and hand tools such as brush axes and loppers. Roche Harbor, Westside Story, North Forty, Alaska Place and of course Hillview Terrace III Firewise Communities, plus several firefighters from Town of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island Fire Departments all came to beat back the wilderness making the Johnson’s home safer from wildfires.


In little more than two hours, the brush attackers were able to clear dead brambles, tall weeds and one threatening tree away from the home beginning the 30 foot safety zone that will help protect the Johnson’s and their home. These efforts plus the cleaning of gutters, limbing of trees and removing latter fuels all help protect a home.

As one of the volunteers was leaving he was heard to say, “It’s amazing what a small group of folks can do in such a short period time.” Taking a break with cookies, brownies and homemade crackers always makes the day even more pleasurable. Thanks to all that made the day a huge success.

The following Saturday similar projects were done at Roche Harbor and Westside Story Firewise Communities. To create your own Firewise Community contact Ron Garner, Firewise Coordinator at 378-7722.