Background:

The Minnesota DNR Firewise Program addresses the risk of homes in the wildland/urban interface to wildland fire.  As more homes are built in the woods and fields of Minnesota, the existing firefighting resources are less able to protect everyone’s property while trying to control a wildfire.  Homes close to evergreens and tall grasses of prairies or marshes are most at risk.  Making your home able to survive an approaching wildfire is the goal of the Firewise program.

The “Firewise Communities:  Reducing the Risk of Wildfire” project provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies to assess the wildfire risk of their community and to educate their community on steps that can be taken to reduce that risk. 

The Summer 2008 Firewise Teacher Training will feature a new, simplified, Internet based GIS wildfire risk assessment process for both Windows PC and Macintosh users and updated curriculum materials.  The three day training includes content instruction on wildfire and the wildland/urban interface, technology training in GIS and GPS and field trips to the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and Forest History Center.  Teachers will be prepared to lead students in conducting their own Firewise Communities project.

Registration will remain open until July 28, 2008.  For additional information, contact Sara Damon at damons@stillwater.k12.mn.us