National Fire Plan Success Story
Taylor Community Wildfire Awareness Day
Taylor, Florida
National Fire Plan - Firefighting
As part of the implementation of the Community Education component of the Taylor Community Wildfire Protection Plan, a Wildfire Awareness Day was held for the residents of Taylor and surrounding areas on Saturday, April 7th 2007. The Florida Division of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Baker County Volunteer Fire Department cooperatively hosted the awareness day.
Tables, tents, and informative displays were set up from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM in the parking lot of the Taylor store, located at the intersection of CR 125 north and CR 250. Residents who stopped by were able to meet with their local firefighters, obtain information on safe yard debris burning, and learn how to protect their home and property from wildfires. Visitors were also able to review the Taylor Community Wildfire Protection Plan and examine large area maps detailing the location of the proposed firebreak and the status of the mitigation project. In addition to Smokey Bear give-a ways, residents were treated to free grilled hot dogs and potato chips, sponsored by Florida Forestry Arson Alert Association, and prepared by local grill master, Steve Holman.
Thirty-five community residents stopped by the information booth, many of whom had seen the invitation in one of the three local newspapers. Several gracious comments were made about the hard work done by federal, state, and local firefighters in the community. Homeowners stated that they were happy to see a firebreak installed and were working to improve fire lines on their own property. Overall, locals were impressed by the Saturday visit and appreciated the opportunity to meet with local professionals and to give thanks for the outstanding fire protection and public service.