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01/31/2010: "New Firewise Communities Eligible For Free Chipper Time"

( Chippers at work near Roche Harbor last year -file photo)

Communities that join the Firewise program by February 12, 2010 are eligible to use a chipper in their community for a half-day.

San Juan Island Fire Department/Department of Natural Resources will bring a chipper and staff to operate it, for chipping woody debris collected by the residents and placed along the common roads in your community. This program is free; but be sure to pile the branches with their butt-ends facing the road.


The Chipping will start on March 1st. To join the Firewise program, SJI Fire Department will assist areas with organizing, assessing and completing all paperwork, which is minimal.

The Firewise program helps homeowners protect themselves and homes from wild fires. Such simple actions as cleaning the gutters in June, filling pot holes and keeping a 12x12 foot opening along all driveways and roads for fire truck access will be a start toward self protection.

This free service is available to existing Firewise Communities, also. For more information or to sign up, view the Firewise website at firewise.org or contact Ron Garner, 378-7722 or Tom Odegard, 378-3213.