The Shenandoah Valley Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Education Team received a 2004 Bronze Smokey Bear Award. Team members are from the Virginia Department of Forestry, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and the National Park Service. The National Smokey Bear Awards are presented annually by the Ad Council, the National Association of State Foresters and the Forest Service for sustained excellence in wildland fire prevention. The Bronze Award recognizes performance of state-wide significance.
The Team formed in response to extraordinary drought conditions in 2001 and remains active today. Though fire danger has subsided, the need for agencies and communities to work as partners in fire protection continues.
In the best spirit of the National Fire Plan, the Team found common issues, developed key messages and shared them effectively. True teamwork reduced the number of unwanted wildfires and gave homeowners tips they could use to help protect their homes. The more we understand fire, the more wisely we can live with it.
Contact: Barb_Stewart@nps.gov
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