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Date: May 19, 2004
Contact: Jennifer Chapman, 415-464-5133

This summer, Point Reyes National Seashore will offer a free wildland fire safety program for homeowners in communities bordering park lands. This Home Evaluation Program is offered through a partnership with the Student Conservation Association. From June 1 through August 15, homeowners can schedule an appointment with the SCA Fire Education Corps to evaluate the defensible space surrounding structures on their property. The evaluation will identify ways vegetation can be modified to reduce wildland fire hazards, and improve the ability of firefighters to defend the house if a wildfire occurs.

The evaluation process is based on guidelines from the California Fire Chiefs Association and Marin County Fire Department. The evaluation will provide suggestions for where to remove hazardous fuel; how to reduce vegetation density by separating shrubs and tree crowns; and how to eliminate ladder fuels which can carry fire from the ground into the tree tops.

The evaluation will take approximately 1hour. Slope of the property will be measured to determine how much defensible space is needed. The defensible space recommendations will then be provided in an illustrated report, broken into zones around the house at 10 feet, 30 feet, 50 feet and 100 feet.

To schedule a home evaluation, call 415-464-5254. Residents of Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Olema, Inverness, Inverness Park, Point Reyes Station and Nicasio are especially encouraged to participate.

-NPS-