What a year, 2020 will go down in the history books for so many reasons.  I hope that all of our Ranch friends and family maintained their health and happiness over this past year of these uncertain times.  One thing that I would like to brag about is that Ranch of the Rockies has completed our requirements to become a Firewise® USA Community.

Last spring we had an assessment completed, in the assessment we were given recommendation in all areas of the Ranch on our fire risks and pinpointing those areas that should have some mitigation completed. During the Annual meeting we enjoyed learning about the new Firewise program from David Root and how it benefits our neighborhood.

During the last year we have accumulated over 3,500 hours of cleanup and mitigation.  Residents made 1176 trips to the burn pit as documented by our incredible volunteers.  Thank you each and every resident that took time to make a difference in the safety of our neighborhood.

Ranch of the Rockies will be recognized by Firewise, we will be posting our neighborhood new signs once received and a certificate will proudly displayed at our Ranch Office.

How does Firewise work?

Firewise provides a collaborative framework for neighbors to reduce wildfire risks at the local level.  The national program gets down to the neighborhood levels, providing tools, education, and plans for increasing a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire while making it safer for firefighters to defend their home and neighborhood.

The program has annual renewal requirements – in order to remain a Firewise site, a neighborhood must complete a certain number of hours and meet criteria to be recertified.

Why should I participate?

Scientific research has proven that when adequately prepared, a home can withstand a wildland fire without the intervention of fire suppression services. And when firefights do become involved in saving a home, Firewise Communities provider a safer working environment to help make a dangerous job safer. When an entire community gathers together to make the neighborhood a better place, everyone benefits. The new normal is a year-round fire season, and our community must respond.

Looking forward to a better and brighter year in 2021.  I believe we can get over 4000 hours of cleanup and mitigation next year, a link to the Activity Log is included below.  Completed activity log forms can be emailed to rorafirewise@gmail.com or dropped off at the Ranch Office during normal business hours.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service to our community.  From my family to your, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Firewise Activity Log-click here

Niki Griffin

Vice President