UPDATED - Taylor receives honor of being named a Firewise Community

Back row; Betsy Breeding, Bill Breeding, and Ray Linster Front row: Capt. Nancy Oliver, chairperson, Kent Swicegood, Jerry Wilfong, and Forest Ranger Jimmy Oliver

Taylor receives honor of being named a Firewise Community

COURTESY OF NANCY OLIVER
BAKER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

On Friday November 14, 2008, the Baker County community of Taylor was honored at Baker County Volunteer Fire Station 40 in Taylor for becoming a nationally recognized Firewise Community. The Firewise Communities Program acknowledges, and encourages hardworking communities across the county who are addressing their unique wildfire issues. There are currently more than 350 nationally recognized Firewise Communities within 37 states, 50 of which are in Florida. Taylor is north Florida's first Firewise Community.

To honor this great accomplishment, speakers from the US Forest Service, Florida's Division of Forestry, Baker County Fire Department and local county officials acknowledged the outstanding partnerships between the federal, state and local agencies working together to help make Taylor and the surrounding areas better able to withstand wildland fire. During this process, wildfire hazard reduction projects including community education programs, fire line installation, vegetation clearance, firefighter training, and upgrading water supplies and firefighting equipment have been completed, and will continue in coming years.

In honor of their achievements, the Taylor Firewise committee was presented with two Firewise road signs, which will be posted on CR 125 North and CR 250 as you enter their community. The group was pleased to receive the signage and is honored to receive this national recognition. Additionally, a special Firewise award presented to the Baker County Fire Department for their efforts.

The Taylor Firewise committee and looking to the future and planning next year's Firewise projects. A community brush-clearing day is being scheduled where homeowners will get assistance with clearing brush and tree limbs away from their homes. Through the community's participation in the Firewise program, a variety of power tools and a chipper/shredder will be available for residents to use at no charge. Taylor's Firewise committee is also planning for the Second Annual Community Yard Sale and Fire Prevention Day to be held in April of 2009.

To learn more about Taylor and their Firewise accomplishments call the Baker County Fire Department at (904) 259-0231.For more information on the national Firewise recognition program visit www.firewise.org.