Northern Gila County - The Gila County Collaborative Community Fire Program has been selected as a winner in the National 2008 Acts of Caring Awards. The Acts of Caring Awards recognized Gila County as one of the top county community improvement programs in the country. The award program is carried out by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with Freddie Mac.
This program involved helicopter - available first strike water sources, Wildland Urban Interface firebreaks, and free fire-wise brush bins. The active partners who continue to participate are Gila County District I Supervisor, Tommie Martin, Gila County’s Public Works and Sheriff’s Departments, the Payson District Forest Service, State Lands, Arizona Dept. of Transportation, local fire districts, the Sheriff’s Volunteer Posse, local communities & numerous citizen volunteers.
“With these early strike resources of strategically placed helicopter-available pots of water we can make a difference,” Supervisor Martin said. “We can make a little fire a non-fire every time, but if we can’t do that initial strike, every fire becomes an event.”
Only 18 counties received awards. This program was chosen after careful review by judges & was determined as one of the best of the best of all entries submitted.
“I am very proud of all of the active partners & their continued dedication to this program,” Supervisor Martin said.
Happy Successful NON- Fire Season to the Rim Country & all the participants of the Collaborative Community Fire Program; they are entering their 3rd year & look forward to another fire season as successful as the last 2 years. We have proven that by working together, taking action & not placing blame we can make a significant difference & change our future.