June 20, 2016—Lake Kiowa, Texas—Lake Kiowa is being recognized for maintaining their status as an active Firewise Community recognized by the National Fire Protection Association, as part of their nationwide Firewise Communities/USA program.

Lake Kiowa is one of nine Texas Firewise communities that are celebrating 5 years as an active community, since their initial recognition in 2012. There are a total of 141 communities nationwide that have reached the 5 year mark. Texas currently has 78 active Firewise Communities and there are 1,302 communities recognized across the nation. Lake Kiowa is the only community in Cooke County to receive the Firewise recognition and is helping to set a precedence for other communities to work together and take ownership of protecting their homes and property from the threat of wildfire.

“It’s not a question of if, but when the next major wildfire will occur. Wildfires can happen anywhere and at any time, stated Nick Harrison Firewise Coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service. Firewise Communities and Firewise practices are a process that empower neighbors to work together in reducing their wildfire risks.”

A 5-year Firewise recognition ceremony was held June 20, at the Lake Kiowa Property Owners Association meeting. Representatives from the Texas A&M Forest Service presented a 5-year plaque to Lake Kiowa for their sustained efforts in maintaining their Firewise Community.

For more information on how your community can receive the Firewise designation, visit the Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program website: www.firewise.org or visit the Texas A&M Forest Service site: www.texasfirewise.org

Contacts:

Erin O’Connor, Wildland Urban Interface Specialist
(936) 241-2572, eoconnor@tfs.tamu.edu

Nick Harrison, Firewise Coordinator
(817) 894-4761, nharrison@tfs.tamu.edu

Sam Moore, Lake Kiowa Firewise Primary Contact
(940) 736-4303, samdmoore@sbcglobal.net