4-H Delivers

Siskiyou and Shasta 4-Hers Learn About Fire

The Issue

Each year, California suffers from devastating wildfires. In 2008 alone, the series of northern California fires (dubbed the California Northern Lightening Series) burned over 800,000 acres. Unfortunately for residents of at-risk areas, these fires are quite common-place. In particular, Siskiyou County and Shasta County, along with their beautiful terrain and frigid winters, have dry, hot summers – perfect conditions for wildfires.

What has 4-H Done?

For the past seven years, Siskiyou County’s 4-H camp in Shasta County has taught 4-H members new skills and valuable life lessons. However, the Hi-4H group in 2009 decided that the camp, held June 19 through June 21, should provide something more. They contacted the California Fire and Forest Service and asked them to present a forestry management and fire science section as part of the camp service learning program. Their goal was to have a representative lead a workshop on trail restoration and maintenance and demonstrate how to secure a defensible fire perimeter, using the camp as a teaching tool.

The California Fire and Forest Service agreed, and they conducted sessions that taught members how to make the 4-H camp a safer environment. Volunteers from the service led members though a home fire defense training and provided them with information on the proper use of trail maintenance tools in order to prevent erosion in the soil and trails around their home. To ensure the accuracy of their home-defense decisions, members made scale maps using a grid technique. Siskiyou County Hi-4-H implemented each stage of the project, coordinating the lessons and leading several of the workshops.

The Payoff

Large fires endanger and destroy homes in California every year. Fortunately, these 4-H members now have the knowledge to defend their homes against these dangers, and can teach their neighbors and friends about proper fire safety measures as well. Attendees of Siskiyou County’s 4-H Camp also had the opportunity to put their new-found skills to good use by creating a fire perimeter around the camp, making it a safer location for future 4-Hers and other camp attendees.

Author: Emily Lane, State 4-H Office Assistant