Emmitsburg, MD – A new U.S. Fire Administration guidance document encourages fire departments to partner with other local and state departments to formulate communitywide preparations and infrastructures to respond to and withstand wildland fires.

The guidance document (.pdf file) recommends local, state and federal agencies, as well as the public, create a whole community approach to wildland fire management to reduce loss of life and property.

Among the recommendations included in the document:

• Local fire departments should educate residents about properly preparing for threats.
• When expanding communities, local officials and decision-makers should balance residents’ desire to have homes near natural areas with the threat posed by living there.
• The public should fully understand and prepare for wildland fire risks.