Each year, wildland fires consume homes in the wildland-urban interface — defined as areas where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildland fire. Studies show that as many as 80 percent of homes lost to wildland fire may have been saved if brush around the homes was cleared and defensible space was created around structures.

There is no better time than now to prepare and educate your family, friends, and neighbors. Make sure everyone knows what to do to protect people and homes in case of fire.

The Burns Fire Department, Hines Fire Department, Burns Interagency Fire, Silver Creek Rural Fire Protection Association (RFPA), and Lone Pine RFPA are teaming up to offer a Wildfire Community Firewise Day Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Big R parking lot.

One of the key messages will be defensible space, the area around the home that should be kept “clean and green” — clear of debris.

The goal of the program is to help people be aware of the risks posed by wildfires. Guests will receive educational material about the effects of wildfires, how to prepare for them, and how to react if one occurs.

Come meet our fire personnel and Smokey Bear, and learn more about the departments as well as how to stay safe during an emergency.