| After much deliberation and conversations with key personnel, we have decided to cancel tomorrow’s Fire Resiliency Workshop.
We are following the advice and recent statement from the CDPH and Governor Gavin Newsom to postpone our event so as to not spread or potentially put anyone needlessly at risk of contracting the COVID-19 illness. Smaller events (like ours) are advised to proceed only if organizers can implement social distancing of six feet per person – which we cannot do. While this workshop is of great importance, we value the health and safety of our community. CLICK HERE for the press release we are referencing, for your reference. |
On March 13, 2020, the Mount Shasta Fire Department and the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center, with assistance from local, state, and federal agencies, will hold a free workshop focusing on many aspects of emergency preparedness, including: Home hardening, CodeRED, personal responsibility, and community-led fuels reduction activities. The goal of the workshop is to inform land and homeowners of the tools and knowledge that are readily available to help prepare themselves for wildland fires and to be ready if catastrophe strikes.
The Fire Resiliency Community Workshop will be held at the Best Western Plus Treehouse in Mount Shasta on March 13, 2020, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. There will be a second workshop, however the date and time has yet to be determined. These workshops are free to the community and food will be provided.
In preparation for the workshops, several agencies and organizations have been working in collaboration to discuss best practices in educating the public and helping individuals become prepared for fire season. The effort is led by the Bioregional Ecology Center’s Program Director, Jessica Matthews, and Mount Shasta Fire Chief, Matt Melo. “There’s a need for education in and around the community and we are excited to team up with the Ecology Center to make this happen,” stated Melo. Mrs. Matthews stated that the experience “has been really great. We are working to strengthen our partnerships and finalize some of the details for our upcoming public workshops on becoming a more fire-wise community, which is extremely important while living in the wildland urban interface.”
The Ecology Center and Mount Shasta Fire Department have partnered on a grant from The Ford Family Foundation to complete the community education workshops. The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E. Ford with the mission of creating “Successful citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Northern California. The workshops, made possible by the Ford Family Foundation, are paramount for the Ecology Center’s Community Fire Resiliency Program and the Mount Shasta Fire Department’s mission to ensure all citizens are prepared in the case of a wildfire.
To be as inclusive as possible, the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center is offering scholarship funds to potential attendees. These funds are to help lower travel costs and child care. Apply here. To inquire about the application process for these funds, call the Ecology Center at 1-530-926-5655.