Gatlinburg’s Chalet Village aims to be Firewise Community after wildfires

Like a Phoenix out of the ashes better then ever, Chalet Village is starting the journey to become a Firewise USA™ Community to make the whole mountain safer from wildfire.

Chalet Village will host a Firewise informational meeting 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at the Chalet Village Owners Club located at 1319 South Baden Dr. in Gatlinburg. A Q & A session will follow.

Residents, property owners, businesses and staff members are encouraged to attend and learn how to make chalets & homes safer from wildfire. Each attendee will receive a FREE Firewise packet. Finger food & snacks will be available and door prizes awarded

Chalet Village Firewise Meeting Agenda

11 a.m. – Welcome and Introduction
Pete Jucker, Chalet Village FIREWISE Chairperson

11:15 a.m. – FIREWISE USA: A General Overview for the community
Brook Smith Area Forester, TN Division of Forestry

11:45 a.m. – Home Ignition Zone: Practices to improve resiliency
P.J. Webb, Wildland Firefighter, TN Division of Forestry

12:15 p.m. – Signs and Ready, Set, Go
Capt. David Puckett, Gatlinburg Fire Department.

12:35 p.m. – Exotic Invasive Species
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Representative

Since 2002, the Firewise USA program has empowered neighbors to work together in reducing their wildfire risk. Join the growing network of more than 1400 recognized Firewise sites from across the nation taking action and ownership in preparing and protecting their homes against the threat of wildfire.

Chalet Village has always supported the Firewise program and provided brochures and handouts. However they are now taking a proactive, hands on approach to become a designated Firewise community. To be successful, it will take all residents working together to make it happen.

Anyone interested in the Firewise living concept is invited to attend.

The City of Pigeon Forge also initiated the process of becoming a Firewise USA Community and was awarded a Fire Prevention Grant from FEMA to fund the program.

Photo: Chalet Village Gatlinburg/Facebook