FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2006
(Salem, SC) Keowee Key has earned national recognition for its wildfire protection program. Forest fire experts said the Oconee County development is one of only two South Carolina communities ever to be designated a Firewise Community/USA.
According to Mickey Walley of the SC Forestry Commission, the Firewise designation recognizes communities that meet a rigorous set of national wildfire protection standards. Requirements include obtaining a professional wildfire danger assessment, establishing a Firewise Task Force, developing a wildfire protection plan, and committing at least $2.00 per capita annually for wildfire protection work.
“Keowee Key is now a safer place to live, thanks to Firewise,” said Ed Nichols, president of the community’s Firewise Council. According to Nichols, residents are committed to continued cooperation with state and local wildfire protection agencies.
Throughout the two-year process, the community worked closely with the Forestry Commission and Keowee Key Fire Department. Throughout the process, residents and fire professionals conducted community meetings, implemented a fire education campaign, and worked to reduce flammable vegetation near homes.
“Keowee Key has set an example for other upstate communities,” said Walley. “Their work has dramatically improved chances that these homes will survive a wildfire event.”
Communities interested in the Firewise program should contact their local office of the SC Forestry Commission. Information is available on the web at www.firewise.org/usa
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For more information, contact: Ed Nichols, 864-944-2650