National Fire Plan Success Story
Kentucky Firewise Specialist
Kentucky Division of Forestry
National Fire Plan - Community Assistance
2008
The Kentucky Division of Forestry has used National Fire Plan (NFP) fire mitigation funds since 2004 to fund a Kentucky Firewise Specialist. The Firewise Specialist is a cooperative project between the Kentucky Division of Forestry and the Kentucky Division of Conservation. The funds are used to pay for the salary and operation expenses of the Firewise Specialist.
The Firewise Specialist provides Firewise workshops, and technical assistance, works with Firewise Councils, assists with Firewise grants and CWPPs, and works Firewise Workshop to deliver the Firewise program in Kentucky. Firewise is provided to communities, fire departments, local governments, state agencies, and other interested individuals.
Since 2004, the Firewise Specialist has conducted 76 Firewise workshops, provided 131 Firewise technical assists, given 60 Firewise presentations, participated in 21 Firewise Community days, and provided 33 Firewise grant assists. The Firewise Specialist has also assisted 23 communities in receiving Firewise Communities USA certification. The Kentucky Firewise Specialist project meets the direct intent of the NFP by providing technical assistance and information to communities on fire mitigation.
Contact: Bernie Andersen Fire Management Chief, Kentucky Division of Forestry; phone: 502-564-4496; email: Bernie.Andersen@ky.gov.