Forest fire prevention workshop to be held

Forest fires are a fact of life in the Inland Northwest.

Homes located on forested lands (the "wildland interface") can be at high risk. Rural homeowners can lessen that risk if they modify their houses and landscapes to make them less likely to ignite and easier for firefighters to access.

On Thursday, Feb. 15, a three-hour workshop titled “Landscaping for Fire Prevention” will offer rural homeowners an opportunity to learn about such techniques, discuss their wildland fire experiences, and participate in a simple exercise to assess their homes' interface fire risk. The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10881 N. Boyer Road.

The program can accommodate a limited number of people. Those wishing to participate should pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County by Friday, Feb. 9.

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 other questions on this program, contact Chris Schnepf, at 208-292-1288. 

The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, Idaho Master Gardeners, and the Idaho Department of Lands.