International Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Workshop draws attendees from all over the Northeast

The Mystic Hilton, Connecticut:  Some public along with local, state and international wildfire agencies from the northeast and the US Forest Service attended the December 6–8, 2016 Wildfire in the Northeast Workshop.  This first of its kind, ‘HOW TO’ workshop was hosted by the prevention education working teams (PEWT) from the Northeastern (NFFPC) and Mid-Atlantic (MAC) Forest Fire Protection Compacts.  Funding for the event was provided by the USDA Forest Service.

The workshop, designed to teach and to answer how-to queries, did so from a varied and unique venue using active and passive methodology.

When registering, attendees were surveyed for special prevention/ mitigation challenges their own communities/agencies faced.  Ideas for resolvement were addressed in breakout groups during the workshop.

Skilled and experienced local, state and national leaders and wildfire professionals shared tried and true experiences they used to prevent and overcome prevention/mitigation challenges already faced and what they might expect in future.  Past, present and what to expect historical patterns of fire regimes/climatology, reading tree rings, the benefits of partnership between local and state wild land firefighting agencies, the use of Fire Prevention Education teams, what worked and did not work when Firewise techniques were used on wildfires, how to help prevent home ignitions using proven landscaping and construction guidelines, how to bolster youth prevention interest and situational awareness in your community, and how to effectively engage the public in proactive fire management efforts were some of the key issues presented.

On December 7th/day 2, a fitting and especially nice tribute to Pearl Harbor and the start of the Smokey Bear campaign with its ties to World War II was presented.

Almost 20 private and government/organization vendors mingled with workshop goers alike and engaged in the event.  Two vendors conducted live fire demonstrations outdoors using fire safety materials.

Workshop goers walked through hallways, conference and vendor rooms filled with educational messaging ... displays, banners, presentation boards and ideas.

Put wildfire prevention specialists in charge of an event, and you’ve got swag … lots of it. Promotional materials of all sorts purchased and donated from vendors and hosting agencies was in abundance.  All was presented and dispersed in a myriad of ways:  welcome bags, silent auction, raffle prizes, and by attendance and participation.  Take home deliverables such as the Wildfire in the Northeast pocket guidebook and its electronic application given every attendee will serve as an invaluable quick and handy resource for accessing prevention and mitigation information.   

Attending foresters were able to earn Society of American Foresters approved CFE Credits along with some individual state accreditation.  The workshop received media coverage on its opening day and again on day 2 during the live fire demonstrations.   To download presentations and information regarding the Wildfire in the Northeast Workshop, go to:http://www.NortheastWildfire.org/workshop