Fire prevention workshop announced

Forest fires are a reality in the region and homes located on forested lands can be at risk from forest fires. However, homeowners can lessen that danger by taking a few common-sense steps.

A three-hour workshop on how to do just that, "Landscaping for Fire Prevention," will be held Feb. 16. The program will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10881 N. Boyer Road.

The workshop will teach rural homeowners how to lessen fire danger, discuss wildland fire experiences and participate in a simple exercise to assess their homes' interface fire risk.

However, the program can accommodate a limited number of people and there is a pre-registration deadline of Feb. 10. A $10 registration fee covers handouts and refreshments.

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County, at 208-263-8511. For information or questions about the program, call Chris Schnepf at 208-292-1288.

The program is co-sponsored by the University of Idaho Extension, Idaho Master Gardeners, and the Idaho Department of Lands. The program will also be held in Post Falls on March 4 and in St. Maries on March 21.