STILLWATER, Okla. – Blackened trees, scorched earth and burnt structures are roadside reminders to Oklahomans about the dangers of wildfires.
Payne County residents have the opportunity to increase their awareness of wildfire and become more educated about cedar management and the firewise program through a program offered by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Cease Fire, slated Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Payne County Expo Center, is free and open to the public.
“With the devastation that occurred, the topics to be discussed are very important to those who were, or are, fire victims,” said Nathan Anderson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension educator, Payne County.
Payne County Emergency Management is partnering with Extension for this program. Jeff Kuhn, director, will lead the meeting with an overview of fire damage in Payne County. Terry Bidwell, OSU Cooperative Extension specialist will discuss the importance of cedar management and the National Firewise Communities program.
“The main idea is to remove any fuels away from the house,” Bidwell said. “Aside from prescribed burning to clear much of these fuels, regular maintenance is the next best thing.”
Information concerning post fire assistance and scene safety also will be covered. Finally, Cease Fire attendees will hear how ISO ratings will impact premiums for homeowners and learn about the benefits of Payne County Proposition 1, which is a 1/16-cent sales tax to help fund rural fire departments.
“ISO ratings affect your premiums,” said Anderson. “If those fire departments are better equipped and better trained, your ISO ratings can go down, making your premiums go down. After this year’s disasters and the tremendous efforts of our rural fire departments, I feel positive about the sales tax passing. Everyone needs to support this tax to best equipped and support the efforts of the rural fire fighters.
To register, call the Payne County Extension office at 405-747-8320. Registration is encouraged to be able to accommodate attendants with refreshments.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Sean Hubbard
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
145 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4490
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]
