HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Executive Director of Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Frank Riley encouraged the community to take action against wildfire danger, a viable threat to the forest lands of Southern Appalachia. The highest hazard months for wildfires in North Georgia traditionally occur in November, March, and April due to low humidity and high winds, leaving dry vegetation vulnerable to sparks of ignition, Riley said.

Riley explained that precautions can be taken to lessen the risks associated with wildfires by participation in the “Ready-Set-Go” program. Ready-Set-Go is administered by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and aims to prepare first responders and citizens for wildfires. The program’s tenets help residents be “Ready” in understanding preparedness, become “Set” with situational awareness when fire threatens, and to “Go” early when evacuation is necessary.

“Look at what happened in Towns and Rabun Counties a couple of years ago,” Riley reminded. “A raging wildfire bringing in firefighters from all over the world, air tankers, bulldozers, and many dollars for all the tools necessary to protect property from raging wildfires. We were not really prepared, but that should have been a wake-up call for all of us to be prepared for the next round of wildfires in our neighborhood with programs such as Ready-Set-Go.”

Used in conjunction with FireWise principles, lives and property can be saved, Riley said in part. “Ready-Set-Go also bring fire departments and residents together to build important understanding, preparedness, and action. Our Firewise programs here in Northeast Georgia are making a difference by making our residents aware of the wildfire risks all around them and the numbers prove it. We have held full scale Ready-Set-Go evacuation exercises in 2015 in Towns County, and in 2016 in White County with very good results. The emergency responders practiced what they do best; protect property from wildfires under controlled conditions, and residents experienced what it would be like under a real fire threat.”

Riley provided valuable tips in reducing wildfire risks, such as clearing debris and maintaining landscape within a 100 to 200 foot radius of structures, offered recommendations for fire-resistant home design, and stressed the importance of community engagement in taking a fire-adapted approach to wildfire risks.

For further information on how to become Firewise and develop a Ready-Set-Go action plan, contact Chestatee-Chattahoochee RD&C Council at [email protected]