Environmental Committee

Fall 2007
VWC Joins In Effort to Increase Awareness of High Fire Danger
By Sherry Skold

As the widespread concern among emergency personnel and community members has grown regarding fire danger in this drought-impacted county, the San Lorenzo Valley has put together a steering committee to begin a concentrated education effort.  This “Valley Fire Awareness Project” had a kick-off date of August 11, with signs and banners going up around the Valley, volunteers with placards on street corners, and fliers displayed in all business windows.

The goal is to educate visitors, children and community about our heightened fire danger arising from common activities, like improperly disposing of cigarette butts, unattended campfires, illegal burn piles, even barbeques and sparks from equipment.  We have requested and received support from the Valley Fire Departments, Sheriff's Department, community organizations, Mountain Community Resources, Cal-Trans, local Scouting organizations and California High Patrol. 

As Smokey the Bear would say, "Only you can prevent a fire in our Valley," so let's work together to keep ourselves and our community safe from the extreme fire danger we are living with. For further information, please contact our chairperson John Charcho, Fire Chief of Ben Lomond at 336-5495 or check out the Ben Lomond Fire Department website.

(See related article, Fire Prevention and Unnecessary Tree Removal)  

©2007 Valley Women's Club