LAKEPORT – In the midst of one of the worst fire seasons in state history, a special meeting next week will focus on how Lake County's residents can protect themselves and their families from wildfires.

The Lake County Fire Safe Council will hold a special public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, at the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes, Lakeport.

Residents are invited to attend this free event to learn how to prepare their homes and family for wildfire, and to learn about the new Lake County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

"Wildfire is an ever-present threat in Lake County,” said Supervisor Denise Rushing, who is spearheading the effort. “Our ability to prevent and respond to wildfire depends upon our level of planning, education, and preparedness.”

She said a solid Community Wildfire Protection Plan will help the various community fire councils and agencies to obtain the resources they need to both prepare for wildfire events and prevent potential damage and loss of life.

Jeff Tunnell, fire mitigation and education specialist for the Bureau of Land Management, and a member of the Fire Safe Council added, “This year has been an especially busy and hard year for the residents and fire fighters of California and the nation. We have experienced fires earlier and in greater numbers than most can remember. The Fire Service has also experienced an unacceptable occurrence of injuries and fatalities on fires this year.”

Tunnell said they want everyone to contribute to the safety of the public and our firefighters by doing what is necessary around their property to reduce the threat of fire or the severity of fires if they start.

“You can make the difference in our efforts to fight fires, save your home and come back to our families at the end of the day,” he said. “A positive way to accomplish these goals is to participate in your local Fire Safe Council. You will learn what you can do, how you can help others, and focus attention on the problem of wildfires in Lake County. Please join us in the fight to prevent and mitigate wildfires."

The new Lake County Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be introduced at this meeting. The Plan (or CWPP as it is in known in fire circles) will be developed over the coming year to identify priorities to reduce wildfire hazards and risks.

Tracy Katelman of ForEverGreen Forestry (www.forevergreenforestry.com/fire.html) is writing the plan.

“We will hold a series of 10 community meetings throughout Lake County in October to provide residents an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas regarding how to make Lake County ‘fire safe,'” said Katelman, a California Registered Professional Forester. “We encourage anyone interested in the plan and/or Fire Safe Council to join us on Aug. 21 to learn more about both of these important actions for Lake County’s future.”

Linda Juntunen, of the West Lake Resource Conservation District and a member of the CWPP Planning Committee, encouraged residents to attend the Fire Safe Council meeting to learn about the planning process.

“Public input is vital in developing the Community Wildfire Protection Plan,” Juntunen said. “Lake County is a big county, and we need the people that actually live in these areas to tell us what’s most important to them.”

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with displays, information and refreshments.

For more information, residents can contact Linda Juntunen at 263-4180, Extension 16; Mireya Turner at 263-2368; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or look for the “Lake County Fire Safe Council” link on the Lake County Board of Supervisors’ home page (www.co.lake.ca.us).

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