Pocatello Fire Department receives $14,000 donation for wildfire prepardness - East Idaho News
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Pocatello Fire Department receives $14,000 donation for wildfire prepardness

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The following is a news release from the city of Pocatello.

POCATELLO — In the annual battle against wildfire, the Pocatello Fire Department has a new ally.

The Allstate Foundation announced a $14,000 donation to the Pocatello Fire Department as part of its support for wildfire preparedness in eastern Idaho. The department plans to use the funding to kick start a “Junk the Juniper” campaign in the spring of 2017. Through the program, the department will assist residents living in the wildland/urban interface areas of Pocatello in removing potential fire fuels from their property.

“Wildfire preparedness save lives,” said Chief David Gates. “We’d like to thank The Allstate Foundation and local Allstate Agents for helping the Pocatello Fire Department take a proactive step in protecting residents and their homes from wildfire.”

The grant will also help firefighters in the event a wildfire does break out. According to Gates, the department is also looking into using the funds to purchase additional wildland firefighting equipment.

“The Pocatello Fire Department does so much for supporting local families affected by wildfires here in Eastern Idaho,” said Frank Clouser, Allstate’s Senior Corporate Relations Manager. “They are first on the scene when a wildfire strikes, and it is important that these brave individuals have the resources and support they need to help protect the community.”

According to National Interagency Fire Center statistics, in 2015, Idaho experienced 1,324 wildfires, resulting in 804,094 acres being burned. While the final numbers for the 2016 wildfire season aren’t in yet, Idaho again experienced significant wildfire activity this year. The danger posed by wildfire continues to grow as more and more residents make their homes in areas that are prone to wildfires.

In addition to this proactive partnership, Allstate Insurance also provides Wildfire Prevention Guide tips to homeowners that can make the process easier on you and your family should you incur damage. With cooler winter weather on the horizon, now is a good time to prepare your home before next year:

· Keep your roof, gutters and vents clear of debris; firebrands can quickly ignite dried-out organic matter and spread to vulnerable areas such as vents, eaves and your roof. Have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor of your home. Know how to use the extinguishers.

· Ensure your access to water by purchasing a generator to operate your pump in the event of a power failure, and make sure you have a connected, functioning garden hose.

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