Diana Newdall/Rocky Point Firewise Connection Lead  

Rocky Point Community Earns National Recognition for Wildland Fire Preparedness

Klamath Falls, OR, December 22, 2023 – The hard work and dedication of property owners and personnel from Rocky Point Fire & EMS was recognized by receiving the National Fire Protection Association’s designation as a Firewise USA® community.

In August 2023, Rocky Point Fire & EMS was awarded a Community Wildfire Defense Grant through the USDA Forest Service to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for the community of Rocky Point, which lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Klamath Falls. During the development phase of the CWPP, personnel from the fire department approached several property owners within Rocky Point about becoming a recognized Firewise USA® community. Those same property owners spoke with other concerned residents and scheduled their first meeting to becoming Firewise. With help from Rocky Point Fire & EMS, it was then the Rocky Point Firewise Connection group got its start.

The Rocky Point Firewise Connection group coordinated with Rocky Point Fire & EMS and Oregon Department of Forestry and began the work of meeting the requirements within the Firewise application process. “The residents of Rocky Point have long been concerned with wildland fire, as they should, and I’m proud of the efforts of the Rocky Point Firewise Connection group and our fire department and look forward to future collaboration between both parties in helping Rocky Point become a fire adapted community”, said Rocky Point Fire & EMS Fire Chief, Diann Walker-Pope. 

Firewise USA® is a nationwide program that provides formal recognition to communities implementing actions to protect people and properties from the risk of fire in the wildland urban interface. Participants reduce their wildfire risks by actively participating in the program and completing requirements each year.

Communities interested in participating in the Firewise USA® program can learn more  at https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa.

**Full press release posted under Community Tab