Volunteers recognized for their FSC efforts

     SAN DIEGO — Community Fire Safe Councils and the volunteers that run them were honored last week, for exceptional service to their communities in the area of wildfire prevention in San Diego County. A special Awards Ceremony was held at Barona Resort and Casino. Representatives from U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, the Bureau of Land Management and others attended to show their gratitude for the hard work of these volunteers. Certificates of appreciation were also presented from Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Assemblyman Joel Anderson to further honor the award winners.
     Community Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) are considered key partners by local, state and federal fire agencies. According to Owen Martin, Descanso District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, “Community Fire Safe Councils are a vital piece of the wildfire equation. They provide the link between federal, state and local agency efforts and local community wildfire prevention needs. Without community Fire Safe Councils, much of the actual on-the-ground work done in local communities would not be possible.”
     The following awards were presented:
Community Fire Safe Council Volunteer of the Year — Dick Dupree, Pine Valley Fire Safe Council.
Project of the Year (two awards) — Los Tules and Stone Ridge-Warner Springs Estates Fire Safe Councils and Fallbrook Fire Safe Council.
Outstanding Community Fire Safe Council — Crest Fire Safe Council
Rookie of the Year — Stacy Magoffin, Dulzura/Barrett Fire Safe Council
Vendor of the Year — Karl Pieper, R.R. Donnelley

     Marty Leavitt, President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, gave high praise for all FSC members.
     “These volunteers work tirelessly year-round to prepare their communities for wildfire. It’s through their donated time and resources that we’re able to organize the many community chipping days, reforestation projects and other community wildfire mitigation efforts that help make San Diego fire-safe.”
     San Diego County boasts formation of nearly 90 community Fire Safe Councils – more than any other county in California. The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County administers all fire safe programs in partnership with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County.
     FSC programs include educational support and training for community Fire Safe Councils, a chipping program for vegetation reduction in targeted areas, removal of dead, dying and diseased trees, and assistance in developing Community Wildfire Protection Plans. These programs and others are funded by the grants above and voluntary donations.
     For more information check online at www.firesafesdcounty.org and www.rcdsandiego.org.

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