Community Wildfire Protection Plan An Action Plan for Wildfire Mitigation and Conservation of Natural Resources A Program of the Georgia Forestry Commission with support from the U.S. Forest Service Rockdale County, Georgia October, 2016 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N SIGNATURE PAGE Honorable Richard Oden, Chairman Rockdale County Board of Commissioners ___________________________________ Jennifer Rutledge, Clerk Rockdale County __________________________________ Dan S. Morgan, Chief Rockdale County Fire &Rescue Director, Rockdale County Emergency Management ___________________________________ Joel Yoder, Deputy Chief Rockdale County Fire & Rescue ___________________________________ Michael Sapp, Chief Ranger Georgia Forestry Commission ___________________________________ Beryl Budd, Wildfire Prevention Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission ___________________________________ _____________ Date _____________ _____________ _____________ ______________ ______________ 2 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Prepared by: Michael Sapp, Chief Ranger Dekalb/Henry/Newton/Rockdale County Georgia Forestry Commission Beryl Budd, Wildfire Prevention Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission Georgia Forestry Commission Dekalb/Henry/Newton/Rockdale County Unit 2707 Access Road Covington, GA 30016 The following report is a collaborative effort among various entities; the representatives listed below comprise the core decision-making team responsible for this report and mutually agree on the plan's contents: Rockdale County, Board of Commissioners Rockdale County Fire & Rescue/Emergency Management Michael Sapp, Chief Ranger Dekalb/Henry/Newton/Rockdale County Unit Georgia Forestry Commission Beryl Budd, Wildfire Prevention Specialist Georgia Forestry Commission 3 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N PLAN CONTENTS PAGE I. Objectives .............................................................................................................................5 Il. Community Collaboration .............................................................................................................................6 Ill. Community Background and Wildfire History .............................................................................................................................8 lV. Community Wildfire Risk Assessment ...........................................................................................................................14 V. Rockdale County Wildfire Hazard Maps & Data ...........................................................................................................................21 Vl. Mitigation Recommendations & Action Plan .......................................................................................................32 Vll. Grant Funding & Mitigation Assistance .......................................................................................................36 Vlll. Glossary .......................................................................................................37 lX. Sources of Information ........................................................................................................39 Appended Documents Rockdale County Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment Summary Report (SouthWRAP) 4 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N I. OBJECTIVES A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) provides a community with a road map to reduce its risk from wildfire. A CWPP is designed through collaboration between state and local fire agencies, homeowners and landowners, and other interested parties such as city councils, utilities, homeowner associations, environmental organizations, and other local stakeholders. The plan identifies strategic sites and methods for risk reduction and structural protection projects across jurisdictional boundaries. Comprehensive plans provide long-term guidance for growth, reflecting a community's values and future expectations. The plan implements the community's values and serves to protect natural and community resources and public safety. Planning also enables communities to address their development patterns in the Wildland Urban Interface and determine how they can reduce their risk through alternative development patterns. The formal legal standing of the plan and its central role in local government decision making underscores the opportunity to use this planning process as an effective means for reducing wildfire risk. The mission of the following plan is to set clear priorities for the implementation of wildfire mitigation in Rockdale County. The plan includes prioritized recommendations for the appropriate types and methods of fuel reduction and structure ignitability reduction that will help protect this community and its essential infrastructure. It also includes a plan for wildfire suppression. Specifically, the plan includes community-centered actions that will: Educate citizens about wildfire, its risks, and ways to protect lives and properties. Support fire rescue and suppression entities. Focus on collaborative decision-making and citizen participation. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies. Develop and implement effective community ordinances and codes. 5 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N II. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Wildfire risk reduction strategies are most effective when approached collaboratively involving groups of residents, elected officials, community decision makers, emergency managers, and natural resource managers and when combined with effective outreach approaches. Collaborative approaches make sense as the initial focus of any community attempting to work toward wildfire risk reduction. In all Community Wildfire Protection Plan collaborations, the goal is to cooperatively identify problems and reach a consensus for mutual action. In the case of wildfire mitigation, a reduction in the wildfire risk to the community's lives, houses, and property is the desired outcome. The collaborative core team convened in 2013 to initiate development of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The group is comprised of representatives from local Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, Rockdale County Fire & Rescue, Rockdale County Emergency Management, Rockdale County GIS, Rockdale County Extension Service, and the Georgia Forestry Commission. The benefits that will be gained from the development of this CWPP are summarized below: Identify areas that are most prone to wildfire Identify areas that may require additional tactical planning, specifically related to mitigation projects and Community Wildfire Protection Planning Provide the information necessary to justify resource, budget and funding requests Allow agencies to work together to better define priorities and improve emergency response, particularly across jurisdictional boundaries Define wildland communities and identify the risk to those communities Increase communication and outreach with local residents and the public to create awareness and address community priorities and needs Plan for response and suppression resource needs Plan and prioritize hazardous fuel treatment programs 6 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Georgia Forestry Commission contact information: Name: Dekalb/Henry/Newton/Rockdale County Unit Contact: Michael Sapp Title: Chief Ranger Address: 2707 Access Road Covington , GA 30016 Phone: 770-784-2480 Fax Number: 770-784-3151 E-mail Address: msapp@gfc.state.ga.us Unit Location: 4 miles west of Covington on the Access Rd. along I-20. Original Entry: 33 48 44.73N, 84 9 48.41W County Statistics Total Land Area: 83,600 Acres Total In Forest: 22,193 Acres Percent In Forest: 26.55% GFC Forester for this County Forester: Joseph Moore Email: jhmoore@gfc.state.ga.us Phone: 770-254-7373 Forester Office Location: 187 Corinth Rd. Newnan, Ga 30263 7 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N III. Community Background and History Rockdale County, from the Georgia Encyclopedia (online) Rockdale County in north central Georgia was created from parts of Henry and Newton counties in 1870. Its name was inspired by the granite strata underlying the surface soil in the area, which was originally inhabited by mound dwellers, and then by Creek and Cherokee Indians. The first white settlers arrived in Rockdale County during the 1820s. The only incorporated community in the 131-square-mile county is Conyers, the county seat, although two other communities, Magnet and Milstead, are included on current maps. Conyers was incorporated in 1854 but had been inhabited for several decades before that under the name Rockdale. History of Rockdale County Information provided by: "A History of Rockdale County" [1978] In the early 1700s, the first settlers came to the area, which later became Rockdale County, and built their cabins along Hightower Trail. This area was officially opened to settlers in 1816. Soon a railroad was built to connect Augusta and Marthasville (now Atlanta). Conyers, first known as Conyers Station, grew Conyers Depot along this railroad. The town was named for Dr. W. D. Conyers, a Covington banker. The town's first inhabitant was a blacksmith by the name of Holcombe, who owned a lot of land where the town now stands and ran a shop nearby. He was bitterly opposed to the railroad's coming and when the grading reached his land, legend has it that he swore he would kill the first man who struck a pick in his dirt. Dr. Conyers happened upon the scene and found Mr. Holcombe walking up and down the lot making his threats. Dr. Conyers offered to buy the blacksmith's land. Mr. Holcombe agreed on seven hundred dollars, sold the land to Dr. Conyers, who donated it to the railroad. The railroad authority named the place for Dr. Conyers for negotiating the land transaction so simply. 8 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Conyers had a population of 400 in 1854, and its citizens wanted the town to be incorporated. A Bill was introduced and passed in the Legislature; it provided that the boundary line would be mile from the depot. On February 16, 1854, Conyers became a town. The Charter was amended on October 26, 1870, extending the boundary one mile from the depot of the Georgia Railroad. The Reconstruction Period, 1867 - 1877, was one of tremendous growth. Reports showed an increase in population from 300 to 2,000 people. The rapid growth and growing independence led to the desire to separate from what was known as the "Upper End" from Newton County. This impetus led to the creation of Rockdale County. John F. Hardin and John Harris of Newton County were elected to the Legislature. Being very much in favor of forming a new county, the two men drew up a bill, and Mr. Harris introduced it. The bill, creating a new county from Newton and Henry counties, was approved October 18, 1870. It was stipulated that the first election of county officials would take place in Conyers on the first Wednesday in February. The first election in Rockdale County was held in Dr. J. A. Stewart's Drug Store. The first voter at the polls was an ex-slave named Churchfield. A law, that authorized the ordinary to levy taxes and sell bonds to raise money to build a courthouse, was passed soon after the county was created. For many years Rockdale County was governed by a Board of County Commissioners. The act creating the county provided for the erection of a courthouse to be carried out by the commissioners. The Board could not agree on a suitable location for the building. Finally in a 3-2 verdict, they officially decided on the location of the building. The two dissenting voters rendered their resignation on November 7, 1871. The remaining three commissioners signed a contract with a contractor to build the courthouse. The lot was secured and a courthouse was erected on it. This building cost the citizens $500. The courthouse was a twostory, brick Georgian structure with a center hall and adjoining rooms. The courthouse was completed on June 29, 1872 and dedicated in July. This was the first of three courthouse buildings erected in the county. In 1939, the original building was demolished and replaced by another brick building on the same lot. Following the phenomenal growth of Rockdale County during the 1960's, it soon became apparent that existing facilities were inadequate, and plans were made for a larger courthouse building adjacent to the 1939 structure. Rockdale County voters approved a Bond Referendum in excess of one million dollars for a new courthouse. This three-story brick building was erected in 1974, and is connected to the existing courthouse, which still stands in Old Town Conyers. 9 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N On January 20, 1872 the commissioners hired Mr. Addison Riley to build a jail for $2,490. This was a rock building completed March 1872. Until this time law breakers were jailed in Newton County or in a calaboose at Costley's Mill. In 1897 a red brick jail was built on Milstead Avenue, and that jail served for 71 years. A new jail was built in 1968, which served as a full time detention center/jail for over 30 years. The current detention center/jail was built in 2001 and now serves all of Rockdale County. Historical Jail is now a museum Conyers continued to grow, and on August 24, 1881, Conyers became a city, with the office of mayor and six aldermen. The county created by Act of the Legislature October 18, 1870, is named for Rockdale Church, so named for the fine underlying granite strata. Rockdale County became the 133rd county of the state and now ranks 158th (out of 159) in size. Its boundaries have been changed several times. The county is bounded on the north by Gwinnett and Walton counties, on the south by Newton, and on the west by Henry and DeKalb counties. It covers 128 square miles. In March of 1941, an act of the General Assembly abolished the six member board of commissioners to a one-man board with an advisory board. During the 1960's many new departments were added to the county government. The county police department was established in November 1962. The Rockdale Planning Commission was organized in 1965. The zoning ordinance was adopted in 1966. In 1977 House Bill 610 was written and maneuvered through the Georgia legislature. The legislation created the three-man commission form of government for Rockdale County. In May, voters in the county went to the polls and approved the new multi-man commission. On July 1, the Justice Department overturned the multi-man bill and cancelled the July 19 election. On September 9 the Justice Department withdrew its objection to the multi-man commission. Members assumed seats on the new commission on December 1, 1977. 10 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Economy McCart Farm Sawmill During the heyday of textile manufacturing in the South, Rockdale County was a prosperous place with several mill towns. The decline of those mills signaled the drastic reduction--often the disappearance--of the communities surrounding them. However, the construction of Interstate 20 in the 1960s enabled the county to grow and thrive once more. Today the county is a bedroom community for many who are employed in the metropolitan Atlanta area, and the historic district, "Old Town Conyers," draws visitors to shop in its boutiques and visit its museums and gardens Points of Interest Rockdale County has several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including two districts in Conyers that incorporate numerous individually historic buildings. Among the others is Panola Mountain, a 100-acre granite mountain, located in Panola Mountain State Park (photo on right), and added to the register in 1976, and the Rockdale County Jail in Conyers, added in 1982 and now a museum. Other places of interest in the county include Randy Poynter Lake at Black Shoals Park, a 650-acre reservoir and water sports recreation area; the Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden, part of the revitalized downtown in Conyers; and the Haralson Mill Covered Bridge, completed in 1997 and the first of its kind to be built in the state since the 1890s. Perhaps the most well-known place in Rockdale County is the Monastery of the Holy Spirit (photo on left); a Trappist monastery founded and built in 1944 on a 2200-acre plantation once owned by the actress Colleen Moore. The monastery supports itself by selling religious books, art, bonsai plants, and other products, and its Monastery of the Holy Spirit store is open to the public. The agricultural fields and pastures that supported the Monastery 11 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N for many years have all been converted into forestry operations and a green cemetery "Honey Creek Preserve" is the latest successful business venture to support the Monastery. One of the newest attractions in the county is the Georgia International Horse Park, developed for the 1996 Olympics equestrian events and mountain bike competition. Its 1,400 acres, owned and operated by the City of Conyers, now host a wide range of events, from horse shows to wedding receptions. A hotel, golf course, and 500 acre wetland nature preserve are also located on the property WILDFIRE HISTORY The chart below indicates the number of wildfires by cause during the last 10 year period. These were wildfires in which the Georgia Forestry Commission responded and reported. Numerous other wildfires during this period were suppressed by the rapid response by Rockdale County Fire & Rescue, eliminating the need to call GFC. Early detection and dispatch by the 911 center helps keep wildfire size to a minimum. Rockdale County Fire & Rescue respond to many vehicle caused wildfires along I-20. When fire danger is high these fires can rapidly spread as pictured above. The primary cause of these wildfires was careless debris burning, which is the #1 cause for about half of Georgia's wildfires. The secondary cause was machine use and lightning caused wildfires. Number of wildfires by Cause for Rockdale County for FY 2007 to 2016 Year Campfire Children Debris Burning Incendiary Lightning Machine Use Misc Railroad Smoking 2007 0 0 4 1 3 4 1 0 1 2008 1 1 5 3 0 2 5 0 0 2009 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 2010 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 2011 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2012 0 3 0 2 1 3 1 0 1 2013 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2014 0 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 1 2015 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2016 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Totals 2 7 18 8 12 12 11 0 3 12 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N County = Rockdale Children Debris: Residential, Leafpiles, Yard, Etc Incendiary Lightning Machine Use Miscellaneous Miscellaneous: Power lines/Electric fences Miscellaneous: Spontaneous Heating/Combustion Smoking Totals for County: Rockdale Year: 2016 Cause Children Debris: Residential, Leafpiles, Yard, Etc Incendiary Lightning Machine Use Miscellaneous Miscellaneous: Power lines/Electric fences Miscellaneous: Spontaneous Heating/Combustion Smoking Fires 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Acres 0.00 Fires Acres 5 Yr 5 Yr Avg Avg 0.60 1.30 0.00 0.60 1.08 0.00 0.60 0.72 0.00 0.40 1.68 0.00 0.80 3.40 0.00 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.04 1 0.10 0.20 0.02 0 0.00 0.40 0.58 2 0.30 4.00 9.02 The table above indicates fire cause and acreage during fiscal year 2016 and the Fire Occurrence Map (left) indicates locations where the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to wildfires during the last five years (FY 2011-2015). 13 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N IV. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT The Wildland-Urban Interface There are many definitions of the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), however from a fire management perspective it is commonly defined as an area where structures and other human development meet or intermingles with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. As fire is dependent on a certain set of conditions, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group has defined the wildland-urban interface as a set of conditions that exists in or near areas of wildland fuels, regardless of ownership. This set of conditions includes type of vegetation, building construction, accessibility, lot size, topography and other factors such as weather and humidity. When these conditions are present in certain combinations, they make some communities more vulnerable to wildfire damage than others. This "set of conditions" method is perhaps the best way to define wildland-urban interface areas when planning for wildfire prevention, mitigation, and protection activities. There are three major categories of wildland-urban interface. Depending on the set of conditions present, any of these areas may be at risk from wildfire. A wildfire risk assessment can determine the level of risk. 1. "Boundary" wildland-urban interface is characterized by areas of development where homes, especially new subdivisions, press against public and private wildlands, such as private or commercial forest land or public forests or parks. This is the classic type of wildland-urban interface, with a clearly defined boundary between the suburban fringe and the rural countryside. 2. "Intermix" wildland-urban interface areas are places where improved property and/or structures are scattered and interspersed in wildland areas. These may be isolated rural homes or an area that is just beginning to go through the transition from rural to urban land use. 3. "Island" wildland-urban interface, also called occluded interface, are areas of wildland within predominately urban or suburban areas. As cities or subdivisions grow, islands of undeveloped land may remain, creating remnant forests. Sometimes these remnants exist as parks, or as land that cannot be developed due to site limitations, such as wetlands. 14 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Wildland Urban Interface Hazards The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) reflects housing density depicting where humans and their structures meet or intermix with wildland fuels. Firefighters in the wildland urban interface may encounter hazards other than the fire itself, such as hazardous materials, utility lines and poor access. Hazardous Material Common chemicals used around the home may be a direct hazard to firefighters from flammability, explosion potential and/or vapors or off-gassing. Such chemicals include paint, varnish and other flammable liquids; fertilizer; pesticides; cleansers; aerosol cans, fireworks, batteries and ammunition. In addition, some common household products such as plastics may give off very toxic fumes when they burn. Stay OUT of the smoke from burning structures and any unknown sources such as trash piles. Illicit Activities Marijuana plantations or drug production labs may be found in wildland urban interface areas. Extremely hazardous materials such as propane tanks and flammable/toxic chemicals may be encountered. These areas may also contain some type of booby trap. 15 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Propane Tanks Both large (household size) and small (gas grill size) liquefied propane gas (LPG) tanks can present hazards to firefighters, including explosion. Utility Lines Utility lines may be located above and below ground and may be cut or damaged by tools or equipment. Don't spray water on utility lines or boxes. Four large natural gas pipelines run through Rockdale County. Septic Tanks and Fields Below-ground structures may not be readily apparent and may not support the weight of engines or other apparatus. New Construction Materials Many new construction materials have comparatively low melting points and may "off-gas" extremely hazardous vapors. Plastic decking materials that resemble wood are becoming more common and may begin softening and losing structure strength at 180 degrees Fahrenheit though they normally do not sustain combustion once direct flame is removed. However, if they continue to burn they exhibit the characteristics of flammable liquids. Pets and Livestock Pets and livestock may be left when residents evacuate and will likely be highly stressed, making them more inclined to bite and kick. Firefighters should not put themselves at risk to rescue pets or livestock. Evacuation occurring Firefighters may be taking structural protection actions while evacuations of residents are occurring. Be very cautious of people driving erratically. Distraught residents may refuse to leave their property, and firefighters may need to disengage from fighting fire to contact law enforcement officers for assistance. In most jurisdictions firefighters do not have the authority to force evacuations. Firefighters should not put themselves at risk trying to protect someone who will not evacuate! Limited Access Narrow one-lane roads with no turn-around room, inadequate or poorly maintained bridges and culverts are frequently found in wildland urban interface areas. Access should be sized-up and an evacuation plan for all emergency personnel should be developed. Abandoned wells Found around old home sites, open wells can be a hazard for firefighters, especially while working a wildfire during the night. 16 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment Summary (SouthWRAP) The Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment tool, developed by the Southern Group of State Foresters, was released to the public in July 2014. This tool allows users of the Professional Viewer application of the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment (SWRA) web Portal (SouthWRAP) to define a specific project area and summarize wildfire related information for this area. A detailed risk summary report is generated using a set of predefined map products developed by the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment project which have been summarized explicitly for the user defined project area. A risk assessment summary report was specifically generated for Rockdale County and this entire report is contained in the appendices of this CWPP. The following map, from the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment summary report, indicates the wildland urban interface areas in Rockdale County. For additional information visit the SouthWRAP website at www.southernwildfirerisk.com 17 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) map from the SouthWRAP report (above) WUI Risk acreage map (below) 18 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Rockdale County Wildfire Risk Assessment To begin the assessment process the Georgia Forestry Commission provided Firewise and wildfire community risk assessment training to Rockdale County Fire & Rescue. Sessions were held at Station 7, headquarters, for each of the A,B,and C shift command staff personnel. The command staff then followed up with additional training and each station performed community risk assessments of subdivisions and developments within their responding areas. Risk assessments were completed on a total of 365 subdivisions and developed areas within the County. Kent Asher, GIS Coordinator, provided mapping and compiled data for the risk assessment project. Once the assessment process was completed a numerical rating was given to each area based on the wildfire risk. The following sections contain a hazard risk map and table that identifies the wildfire risk in each assessment area. 19 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Wildfire Risk (rating scale) Low Risk: Total Wildfire Risk Rating is 0 - 75 points: The chances of your home surviving a wildfire are GOOD. Little is needed to improve your situation. Moderate Risk: Total Wildfire Risk Rating is 76 - 130 points: The chances of your home surviving a wildfire are FAIR. Some Minor improvements will make your home more fire resistant. High Risk: Total Wildfire Risk Rating is Over 130 points: Your home is at risk and improvements are necessary to reduce risk! Extreme Risk: Total Wildfire Risk Rating is Over 140 points: Your home MAY NOT SURVIVE if a wildfire passes through the area. In fact, a fire could even start on your property. Take a serious look at your property and make improvements. The wildland fire risk assessments conducted by Rockdale County Fire & Rescue and the Georgia Forestry Commission returned an average score of 80, placing Rockdale County in the "moderate risk" hazard range. The risk assessment instrument used to evaluate wildfire hazards was the GFC Community Wildfire Risk Assessment. This instrument takes into consideration accessibility, vegetation (based on fuel models), roofing assembly, building construction, and availability of fire protection resources, placement of gas and electric utilities, and additional rating factors. The following factors contributed to the wildfire hazard score for the higher risk communities and developments in Rockdale County: Dead end roads with inadequate turn arounds Narrow roads without drivable shoulders Long, narrow, and poorly labeled driveways Limited street signs and homes not clearly addressed Thick, highly flammable vegetation surrounding many homes Minimal defensible space around structures Homes with wooden siding and roofs with accumulations of vegetative debris No pressurized or non-pressurized water systems available Above ground utilities Large, adjacent areas of forest or wildlands Heavy fuel buildups in adjacent wildlands Undeveloped lots High occurrence of wildfires in several locations Distance from fire stations Lack of homeowner or community organizations 20 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N V. ROCKDALE COUNTY COMMUNITY HAZARDS MAP & DATA 21 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N The Lake Rockaway community area (aerial photo above) has a history of numerous human caused wildfires. This area has a high risk rating Hi Roc Shores community (aerial photo above) is rated an extreme wildfire risk area. 22 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is rated as an extreme risk area. The 2200 acre forest is well managed. Practices such as selective thinning and prescribed burning help lower wildfire risk. The Monastery was certified in the National Firewise Community program in December, 2013. Mitigation efforts to reduce wildfire risk are ongoing. Community Hazard Risk Assessment Table: Subdivision/Development Area Abbott Abbott Estates Adrian Villas Alexandria Allen's Landing Allison Estates Almand Creek Almand Estates Amber Cove Amherst Chase Annsbrooke Arbor Glen Arden Woods Arlington Woods # Lots 46 70 71 16 36 41 76 11 38 61 99 128 16 45 Acreage 33.8 35.6 38.1 8.5 25.4 167.2 22.4 10.3 76.5 32.5 94.0 62.1 11.7 21.6 Fire Zone 6 6 6 6 2 9 8 5 4 9 3 3 2 1 Wildfire Hazard Rating 107 Moderate 109 Moderate 114 Moderate 107 Moderate 43 Low 90 Moderate 57 Low 85 Moderate 95 Moderate 80 Moderate 45 Low 45 Low 48 Low 128 Moderate 23 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Ashley Trace Autumn Chase Avignon Avondale Springs Bailey Court Beechwood Bell Creek Belmont Village Bent Creek Farms Biltmore Place Blackberry Run Blacklawn Industrial Boulder Branch Boulderview Bradford Brandon Glen Brandy Shoals Brandywine Brentwood Briar Creek Apts Briarwood Bridgestone Village Bridgewater Place Bridle Creek Bridleridge Walk Brighton Estates Bristol Woods Brookfield Station Brookstone Lakes Brookwood South Brynlyn Woods Buchanan Estates Buckingham Callaway Crossing Camary Chase Camary Place Cambridge Creek Camden Industrial Cameron Woods Caritas Meadow Carlisle Estates Castle Point Cedar Brook Cedar Grove Centennial Village Channing Cove Charles Baker Chelsea Downs 17 22.6 99 100.9 31 25.2 305 123.9 11 5.7 22 13.2 20 19.5 198 29.6 45 66.9 102 28.9 13 8.2 25 12.2 16 49.1 6 27.7 134 78.7 190 22.0 25 33.6 168 90.8 272 133.5 157 20.5 87 52.1 148 37.6 165 115.4 86 57.3 167 36.5 86 70.6 124 67.8 68 86.2 104 32.7 15 22.1 59 49.2 48 40.6 31 50.3 301 49.8 24 14.2 21 13.8 112 75.4 16 21.3 12 10.1 14 9.4 19 41.0 17 15.3 146 85.0 55 43.3 32 38.8 46 46.6 7 3.6 96 41.4 2 53 Low 4 90 Moderate 9 85 Moderate 3 85 Moderate 2 48 Low 3 60 Low 2 70 Low 1 73 Low 2 50 Low 9 60 Low 2 42 Low 7 46 Low 4 99 Moderate 5 92 Moderate 2 50 Low 1 94 Moderate 2 72 Low 2 75 Low 3 52 Low 8 49 Low 6 94 Moderate 1 88 Moderate 6 107 Moderate 6 102 Moderate 7 55 Low 9 70 Low 2 65 Low 2 60 Low 1 87 Moderate 9 67 Low 1 82 Moderate 1 106 Moderate 2 77 Moderate 1 81 Moderate 2 70 Low 2 60 Low 6 97 Moderate 7 100 Moderate 2 60 Low 2 60 Low 2 60 Low 6 115 Moderate 2 65 Low 9 70 Low 1 83 Moderate 2 56 Low 7 101 Moderate 1 90 Moderate 24 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Cherry Creek Chimney Ridge Estates Christian Hills Colonial South Columns Country Lane Estates Country Walk @ Fieldstone Courtney Lake Coventry Creekwood Manor Crescent View Crystal Springs Cumberland Pines Deacon's Walk Deer Forest Deer Hollow Deer Run Deerwood Downing Park Druids Keep Eagles Ridge Earl Court East Irwin Place East Mill Forest East View Forest Eastmont Eden Glen Elm Tree Enchanted Lake Estates Estates @ Golden Creek Evergreen Fair Oaks Falls @ Bridgewater Fern Creek Fieldstone Fieldstone View Five Oaks Flat Shoals Acres Flintridge Estates Fontainbleu Forest Edge Forest Hills Forest Villas Fountain Crest Fountainhead Lakes Four Seasons Foxwood Hills Francis Hollow 66 47.4 63 81.0 8 7.1 56 59.2 38 47.2 159 87.7 95 12.7 43 24.2 64 58.3 55 33.1 61 58.7 22 23.7 17 8.5 20 33.8 197 217.0 21 77.4 351 597.5 141 167.2 36 18.2 33 24.0 33 28.7 22 10.2 101 86.9 87 238.5 52 12.5 132 21.8 33 16.7 8 7.7 27 30.1 12 19.1 54 26.2 70 70.0 62 54.6 45 207.7 254 141.6 400 53.7 11 49.8 52 30.2 74 49.9 112 170.4 37 55.3 34 38.1 95 11.7 347 179.3 28 7.4 74 63.6 95 67.4 75 56.7 2 75 Low 9 80 Moderate 2 70 Low 2 77 Moderate 6 112 Moderate 5 77 Moderate 3 52 Low 9 75 Low 6 117 Moderate 5 87 Moderate 5 107 Moderate 2 70 Low 2 70 Low 2 90 Moderate 2 72 Low 4 92 Low 2 77 Low 2 72 Low 3 62 Low 2 70 Low 9 80 Moderate 3 72 Low 3 62 Low 9 83 Moderate 1 71 Low 7 56 Moderate 2 65 Low 1 57 Low 5 92 Moderate 2 122 Moderate 3 47 Low 9 70 Low 6 112 Moderate 1 128 Moderate 3 62 Low 3 62 Low 5 129 Moderate 3 77 Moderate 2 55 Low 2 77 Moderate 2 77 Moderate 2 75 Low 7 92 Moderate 2 65 Low 3 47 Low 6 99 Moderate 2 55 Low 6 94 Moderate 25 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Gates @ Sandy Creek Gates of Deer Run Gees Mill Business Park GIHP Ginger Lake Estates Gleaton Trace Glen Meadow Glendale Acres Gleneagle Glenstone Golden Acres Graceland Estates Grand Cayman Estates Granite Mountain Farms Greyfield Gross Gardens Hammock Creek Hanover Square Happy Hollow Farmettes Harvest Mill Havenridge Haynes Ridge Hearthstone Heavenly Acres Hedgewood Henson Village Heritage Estates Heritage Heights Hewlett Hills HI ROC SHORES Hidden Acres Hidden Lake Hidden Valley Highland Chase Hightower Hills Hiroc Plantation Hodges Lake Holly Hill Home Station Apts Honey Creek Honey Creek Commons Honey Creek/138 Honey Springs Honeysuckle Estates Horseshoe Springs Howard Stowers Hunters Hollow Hunter's Point 15 34.6 44 42.5 37 67.9 7 1181.4 78 51.8 23 20.6 35 33.3 48 95.0 21 88.0 24 61.8 25 25.2 35 41.9 23 34.1 57 101.6 39 27.3 191 84.4 23 61.4 28 36.0 97 233.8 175 85.2 64 76.0 20 80.9 27 18.9 5 19.1 47 46.9 85 26.9 33 11.6 64 36.0 64 46.5 549 288.2 268 171.4 32 30.4 25 12.9 50 9.7 55 23.4 157 84.2 49 5.5 116 60.6 202 26.1 693 500.3 28 19.8 0 0.0 129 82.5 19 12.6 40 103.5 23 28.9 128 88.1 148 18.3 5 90 Moderate 2 62 Low 1 64 Low 1 60 Low 1 108 Moderate 1 102 Moderate 7 108 Moderate 1 95 Moderate 7 120 Moderate 5 132 Moderate 6 94 Moderate 9 75 Low 4 89 Moderate 5 107 Moderate 9 75 Low 3 57 Low 7 122 Moderate 9 75 Low 9 73 Low 1 85 Low 6 112 Moderate 5 109 Moderate 3 82 Moderate 5 116 Moderate 5 62 Low 3 52 Low 9 75 Low 9 70 Low 7 90 Moderate 5 154 Extreme 9 75 Low 2 60 Low 2 55 Low 3 47 Low 7 75 Low 1 97 Moderate 7 75 Low 9 70 Low 1 106 Moderate 2 76 Moderate 2 72 Low 0 97 Moderate 2 62 Low 7 110 Moderate 1 67 Low 7 102 Moderate 7 107 Moderate 8 55 Low 26 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Hunting Creek Indian Ridge Indian Shoals Iris Glen Apts Irwin Place Ivy Bluff J L Shipp Jackson Creek Plantation Jeff Hudson Jeremiah Industrial Kachina Keeneland Keswick Village Apts Keys of St Lucia Kilmer Forest King Forest Kings Mountain Kingsland Place Kingston Woods Kinmor Industrial Klondike Heights Knight's Bridge Lake Capri Estates Lake Green Estates Lake Haynes Estates Lakes @ Honey Creek Lambeth Estates Land Application Site Laurel Woods Leisure Woods Letha Marie Woods Lighthouse Village Limberlost Farms Lindy Court Lionsgate Little Mountain Lochinver Lonnie McCullum Lost Valley Lynbrook Lyndhurst Madison Creek Maggie Valley Mainstreet @ Conyers Apts Manchester Martha's Vineyard Martingale McCart Landing 331 43.2 87 41.5 46 132.7 82 9.5 196 213.7 62 30.7 29 18.1 65 54.4 6 3.0 13 11.7 5 34.7 7 23.9 285 36.3 32 103.2 15 79.8 39 19.2 77 85.9 49 52.4 63 34.9 19 42.9 65 61.7 20 17.4 378 376.0 22 53.2 25 91.6 17 9.7 116 85.4 1 563.0 131 79.5 19 8.1 20 24.3 11 27.7 73 111.9 11 5.6 64 32.8 54 39.3 165 185.6 45 40.8 52 71.0 103 196.4 31 61.3 49 66.0 44 23.7 194 22.3 128 83.0 101 123.1 98 61.1 192 455.7 3 52 Low 2 65 Low 5 77 Moderate 3 77 Moderate 3 57 Low 3 52 Low 7 87 Moderate 4 75 Low 6 94 Moderate 7 62 Low 2 137 High 2 73 Low 1 127 Moderate 9 64 Low 9 83 Moderate 3 67 Low 1 116 Moderate 6 102 Moderate 5 84 Moderate 7 95 Moderate 6 125 Moderate 6 97 Moderate 7 112 Moderate 7 122 Moderate 5 97 Moderate 2 55 Low 3 65 Low 4 179 Extreme 9 Low 2 75 Low 4 72 Low 7 72 Low 4 112 Moderate 7 105 Moderate 6 102 Moderate 4 87 Moderate 9 65 Low 9 72 Low 3 90 Moderate 4 97 Moderate 3 60 Low 2 82 Moderate 2 67 Low 1 80 Moderate 2 62 Low 3 60 Low 2 55 Low 1 77 Moderate 27 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N McClane's Ridge Meadow Springs Meadowbrook Merle Estates Miller's Landing Mills Ridge Millstone Manor Milstead Milstead Commons Milstead Place Mission Ridge Misty Valley Monastery of the Holy Spirit Montclair Estates Morgan's Park Mountain Laurel Estates Mountain Valley Estates Mt Zion Nantucket Nantucket Summit New Haven New Lake Estates Nob Hill Northampton Northpark Northridge Oak Forest Oakley Downs Oaks @ Brentwood Oaks @ Haynes Creek Old Covington Junction Old Mill Old Salem Estates Olde Salem Township Paces Landing Panola State Park Park @ Windridge Park Place Parks of Stonecrest Parkview Estates Peak's Landing Apts Pembrooke Place Pennington Hills Pickett's Ridge Pine Forest Pinedale Townhomes Pinetree Pinewood Shores 20 17.5 43 33.1 322 222.5 16 46.5 25 13.8 47 47.1 57 28.7 311 157.8 11 15.0 76 12.5 84 41.5 8 3.7 1 2200.0 45 71.9 33 36.3 26 89.1 123 68.9 10 8.4 50 30.7 38 23.8 77 59.2 61 152.0 42 49.3 95 147.3 37 29.2 296 97.4 48 13.4 102 65.2 26 17.4 34 101.9 162 56.6 71 22.6 32 34.2 370 100.3 120 91.5 1200 92 85.8 24 12.4 78 47.9 15 4.2 264 34.1 18 8.0 21 36.9 27 20.8 207 114.1 137 14.4 9 7.0 216 120.1 2 75 Low 6 97 Moderate 2 62 Low 4 92 Moderate 6 107 Moderate 4 97 Moderate 1 67 Low 1 80 Moderate 1 77 Moderate 1 81 Moderate 3 51 Low 2 70 Low 2 164 Extreme 9 70 Low 4 112 Moderate 5 107 Moderate 1 103 Moderate 5 75 Low 2 55 Low 2 55 Low 9 70 Low 4 117 Moderate 3 58 Low 5 92 Moderate 7 83 Moderate 7 80 Moderate 3 65 Low 9 57 Low 3 60 Low 5 122 Moderate 1 86 Moderate 9 70 Low 3 60 Low 3 41 Low 7 120 Moderate 4 153 Extreme 1 105 Moderate 3 63 Low 6 145 Extreme 9 48 Low 8 65 Low 2 70 Low 2 67 Low 3 65 Low 3 60 Low 7 70 Low 5 102 Moderate 2 52 Low 28 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Plantation Acres Plantation Woods Point Royal Preserve @ Travers Creek Quail Manor Quail Run Queenie Woods Village Raintree Ramal Remington Revel Cove Richmond River Club @ Boar Tusk River Ridge Riverchase Riverclift Rockbridge Rockdale Acres Rockdale North Rockingham Rockmont Apts Rolling Green Rose Arbor Ross Manor Royal Lake Estates Salem Chase Apts Salem East Salem Lake Salem Village Salem Woods Savory Acres Serenity Cove Shadow Creek Shadow Lake Shannon Woods Shephard's Landing Shoal Creek Sierra View Sigman East Smokerise East Smyrna Downs Smyrna Place South Mill South Ridge South Rockdale Community Park Southpark Southpark @ Salem Lake Springwood Hill 115 42.7 144 87.3 48 47.2 127 43.6 119 76.7 69 42.0 40 23.2 56 19.1 11 8.8 38 22.1 21 10.2 69 58.2 261 122.2 137 65.8 112 41.2 77 41.5 27 20.3 16 8.8 26 84.7 16 11.6 96 11.5 90 37.4 73 44.8 45 24.2 38 79.9 66 8.8 63 30.3 118 76.5 72 37.2 83 20.9 76 44.4 20 14.0 32 21.8 125 107.6 13 14.0 6 4.4 66 55.9 32 60.7 34 19.0 56 378.1 138 81.4 30 26.0 114 92.3 140 120.0 0.0 44 34.2 104 17.1 5 34.4 8 60 Low 2 64 Low 1 107 Moderate 7 67 Moderate 2 67 Moderate 2 67 Moderate 1 83 Moderate 9 61 Low 6 94 Moderate 8 63 Low 8 63 Low 9 80 Moderate 1 63 Low 1 96 Moderate 1 110 Moderate 2 70 Low 7 100 Moderate 1 85 Moderate 5 97 Moderate 2 60 Low 8 63 Low 2 55 Low 2 55 Low 9 69 Low 7 113 Moderate 3 36 Low 3 70 Low 3 65 Low 3 60 Low 3 60 Low 2 62 Low 2 65 Low 2 70 Low 2 70 Low 8 68 Low 7 116 Moderate 6 95 Moderate 4 112 Moderate 7 105 Moderate 7 110 Moderate 6 97 Moderate 6 97 Moderate 4 100 Moderate 2 77 Moderate 4 158 Extreme 9 80 Moderate 3 70 Low 4 124 Moderate 29 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N St Charles Square St James/St Charles Apts St Julian's Place Stafford Glen Stanton Point Stanton Ridge Stanton Woods/Landmark Starr Stonecrest @ Abbott Lake Stoneleigh Stoneview Acres Stoney Brook Stratford Sugar Hill Summit Creek Sunrise Lakes Surrey Estates T C Williams Tall Oaks Terrace Ridge Terraces @ Fieldstone Apts Thornwood Timber Ridge Tom Hicks Tony Valley Tucker Mill Corridor Tucker Mill Forest Turner Valley Underwood Springs Valley Brook Estates Valleydale Victoria Landing View Point East Condos Village @ Almand Creek Apts Village @ Travers Creek Village Green Village Place Weatherstone Wedgewood Wellbrook Park Wellbrook Place Wellington Creek Wellington Lake Westbury Park Westchester @ Glen Thompson Westchester Highlands Westchester Lakes Whispering Pines 16 8.0 486 53.8 107 40.8 22 16.2 10 5.1 100 27.0 367 148.7 35 42.3 42 38.9 18 12.8 12 6.5 73 38.2 41 56.7 297 94.6 107 96.0 890 180.6 90 48.6 11 5.9 176 23.8 19 30.7 303 37.7 49 37.6 36 65.0 106 44.2 39 22.6 0 0.0 17 56.4 55 30.2 5 13.9 50 38.5 25 99.3 42 36.2 81 9.4 242 95.2 217 26.5 63 62.8 68 18.6 264 142.2 11 7.6 60 8.9 29 19.9 19 57.4 23 100.2 71 23.9 11 5.0 11 4.9 301 172.7 11 50.1 9 75 Low 6 114 Moderate 1 72 Low 2 100 Moderate 9 49 Low 9 49 Low 9 70 Low 6 94 Moderate 6 107 Moderate 6 112 Moderate 5 84 Moderate 2 72 Low 2 70 Low 9 60 Low 2 80 Moderate 7 136 High 3 65 Low 8 45 Low 3 65 Low 5 90 Moderate 3 55 Low 2 32 Low 2 65 Low 7 100 Moderate 2 52 Low 0 78 Moderate 9 82 Moderate 6 104 Moderate 2 75 Low 8 75 Low 5 110 Moderate 6 112 Moderate 8 55 Low 8 68 Low 7 80 Moderate 2 55 Low 1 50 Low 8 65 Low 2 70 Low 1 67 Low 1 68 Low 5 65 Low 5 76 Moderate 1 75 Low 3 41 Low 3 41 Low 3 75 Low 5 88 Moderate 30 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N White Hill Wildwood Willow Bend Willow Creek Wilson Place Winchester Hills Windridge Windsor Creek Windward Chase Woodbridge Woodcrest Estates Woodland Forest Woodland Hills Wynnwood/St Remy 10 26.9 23 11.6 43 43.0 99 47.1 11 11.3 84 50.0 100 50.2 131 46.3 31 79.8 84 24.6 21 21.3 64 34.6 41 90.0 106 67.3 5 97 Moderate 2 50 Low 4 92 Moderate 2 55 Low 3 88 Moderate 1 103 Moderate 1 100 Moderate 8 65 Low 5 110 Moderate 8 75 Low 5 97 Moderate 2 62 Low 4 102 Moderate 3 75 Low Panola Mountain State Park area (left) is rated as an extreme risk area. The park was certified as a Firewise Community in 2013 and is practicing some forest management to mitigate wildfire risk. This 1200 acre State park adjoins the Arabia Mountain Conservation Area, in Dekalb County, which includes several thousand acres of mostly unmanaged forest that significantly increases wildfire risk potential to surrounding communities. On the right is an aerial photo of Lake Capri Estates, which is rated as a moderate risk community. This community was certified as a Firewise Community in 2015. 31 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Vl. MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS & ACTION PLAN Rockdale County Forest Management Rockdale County has several large tracts of forest land in need of management to reduce the potential risk of wildfire. Most of these properties have had very little management activity, if any at all, for many years. Hazardous fuels for wildfire accumulate over time. When forest growth slows down health declines and many tree species become susceptible to insects and disease problems. As the forest is naturally thinning out the weaker trees this accumulation of deadwood contributes to increased fuel loads. Trees damaged from wind and ice storms also contribute additional fuels increasing the potential wildfire risk. Good forest management activities such as selective thinning greatly improve overall forest health. Weak, damaged, and crowded trees are removed which leaves the best trees to continue growing in a healthier forest. Wildlife benefit from the natural food plots created from the sunlight that is able to reach the forest floor. A huge benefit is the income generated from the marketing of these forest products. Wildfire risk is significantly reduced following a timber harvest thinning operation. Prescribed burning is a beneficial management practice for reducing fire risk by reducing the amount of forest debris found in the understory. Fire also provides other forest management benefits such as improved wildlife habitat, improved access, and helps to control competing vegetation. This type of burning should be well planned and conducted by a prescribed burn manager under ideal weather conditions. Rockdale County Forester, John Colberg, has developed forest management plans for all large forested County owned tracts. These long term management plans include timber harvest, thinning, and prescribed burning recommendations that will provide multiple benefits including reduced wildfire risk, while maintaining a much healthier forest. Management plans have been developed for the following County properties: Miller Bottom Road tract - 208 acres Reservoir tract - 316 acres Smyrna Road tract - 214 acres South River tract - 563 acres South Rockdale Park and Decastro tract 271 acres Example of a forest stand type map for the South River tract management plan 32 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N The Georgia Forestry Commission can assist with developing a prescribed burning plan, installation of firebreaks, and can provide equipment standby and burning assistance when personnel are available. Primary Protection for Community and Its Essential Infrastructure Treatment Area Treatment Types Treatment Method(s) 1. All Structures 2. Applicable Structures 3. Community Clean-up Day 4. Driveway Access 5. Road Access Create minimum of 30-feet of defensible space in home ignition zone.* Reduce structural ignitability* Cutting, mowing, pruning* Culvert installation Identify needed road improvements Trim shrubs and vines to 30 feet from structures, trim overhanging limbs, replace flammable plants near homes with less flammable varieties, remove vegetation around chimneys. Clean flammable vegetative material from roofs and gutters, store firewood appropriately, install skirting around raised structures, store water hoses for ready access, and replace pine straw and mulch around plantings with less flammable landscaping materials. Cut, prune, and mow vegetation in shared community spaces. See that adequate lengths of culverts are installed to allow emergency vehicle access. Remove trees or limbs that may restrict access for fire equipment. As roads are upgraded, widen to minimum standards with at least 50 foot diameter cul de sacs or turn arounds. 33 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Proposed Community Wildland Fuel Reduction Priorities Treatment Area Treatment Types Treatment Method(s) 1. Adjacent WUI Lands Reduce hazardous fuels Encourage prescribed burning for private landowners and industrial timberlands particularly adjacent to residential areas. Seek grants for WUI mitigation. 2. Railroad and utility Corridors Reduce hazardous fuels Encourage railroads and utilities to better maintain their ROW by eliminating brush and grass through herbicide and mowing. Maintain firebreaks along ROW adjacent to residential areas. 3. Existing Fire Lines Reduce hazardous fuels Clean and re-harrow existing lines. Maintain existing logging roads, trails, etc. as fuel breaks in high risk areas. Proposed Improved Community Wildland Fire Response Priorities 1. Water Sources Dry Hydrants Inspect, maintain and improve access to existing dry hydrants. Add signage along road to mark the hydrants .Install additional dry hydrants if need is established. 2. Fire Stations Equipment Wildland hand tools. Lightweight Wildland PPE Gear. Upgrade existing "brush" truck and acquire ATV for fire and rescue in remote areas such as the recently developed Rockdale County trail system. 3. Water Sources 4. Personnel Drafting equipment Training Acquire additional drafting pumps and other equipment that may be needed to meet department needs. Obtain Wildland Fire Suppression training for fire personnel to include S130, S190, and S215. Ready Set Go training. 34 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Actions to be taken by homeowners and community stakeholders 1. Conduct "How to Have a Firewise Home" Workshop for County Residents GFC and Rockdale County Fire & Rescue education specialist should set up and conduct a workshop for homeowners that teach the principles of making homes and properties safe from wildfire. Topics for discussion include home ignition zone defensible space, landscaping, building construction, etc. Workshop will be scheduled for evenings or weekends when most homeowners are available and advertised through local media outlets. Utilize Rockdale County cable channel 23 to promote and broadcast the workshop. Distribute materials promoting Firewise practices and planning through local community and governmental meetings. 2. Conduct "Firewise" Workshop for Community Leaders Arrange for GFC Wildfire Prevention Specialist to work with local community leaders and governmental officials on the importance of "Firewise Planning" in developing ordinances and WUI codes in the county as the need arises. Identified "communities-at-risk" should be contacted and encouraged to participate in the National Firewise Communities Program. 3. Spring Clean-up Event Conduct clean-up event every spring involving the Georgia Forestry Commission, Rockdale County, and local residents of rural Rockdale County. Set up information table with educational materials and refreshments. Initiate the event with a morning briefing by GFC and local fire officials detailing plans for the day and safety precautions. Activities may include the following: Clean flammable vegetative material from roofs and gutters Trim shrubs and vines to 30 feet away from structures Trim overhanging limbs Clean hazardous or flammable debris from adjacent properties 4. Informational Packets Develop and distribute informational packets to be distributed by realtors and insurance agents. Included in the packets are the following: Be Firewise Around Your Home Firewise Guide to Landscape and Construction Firewise Communities and Fire Adapted Community information Ready, Set, Go, program information 5. Wildfire Protection Display Create and exhibit a display for the general public at local events. Display can be independent or combined with a Georgia Forestry Commission display. 35 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N 6. Media Invite the local and regional news media to community "Firewise" functions for news coverage and regularly submit press releases documenting wildfire risk improvements in Rockdale County. Utilize Rockdale County Channel 23 on Comcast cable for promotion of all prevention education programs. Vll. GRANT FUNDING AND MITIGATION ASSISTANCE Community Protection Grant: US Forest Service sponsored prescribed fire program. Communities with "at-risk" properties that lie within ten miles of a National Forest, National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management tracts may apply with the Georgia Forestry Commission to have their land prescribe burned free-of-charge. FEMA Mitigation Policy MRR-2-08-01: through GEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM). 1. To provide technical and financial assistance to local governments to assist in the implementation of long term, cost effective hazard mitigation accomplishments. 2. This policy addresses wildfire mitigation for the purpose of reducing the threat to all-risk structures through creating defensible space, structural protection through the application of ignition resistant construction and limited hazardous fuel reduction to protect life and property. 3. With a completed registered plan (addendum to the State Plan) counties can apply for pre-mitigation funding. They will also be eligible for HMGP funding if the county is declared under a wildfire disaster. Georgia Forestry Commission: Plowing and prescribed burning assistance, as well as forest mastication, can be obtained from the GFC as a low-cost option for mitigation efforts. The Georgia Forestry Commission Firewise Community Mitigation Assistance Grants Nationally recognized Firewise Communities can receive up to $5000 grants to help address potential wildfire risk reduction projects. Grant submission can be made through local Georgia Forestry Commission offices or your Regional Wildfire Prevention Specialist. 36 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N Vlll. GLOSSARY Community-At-Risk A group of two or more structures whose proximity to forested or wildland areas places homes and residents at some degree of risk. Critical Facilities Buildings, structures or other parts of the community infrastructure that require special protection from an approaching wildfire. CWPP The Community Wildfire Protection Plan Defensible Space The immediate landscaped area around a structure (usually a minimum of 30 ft.) kept "lean, clean and green" to prevent an approaching wildfire from igniting the structure. Dry Hydrant - A non-pressurized pipe system permanently installed in existing lakes, ponds and streams that provides a suction supply of water to a fire department tank truck. FEMA The Federal Emergency Management Agency whose mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Fire Adapted Community A community fully prepared for its wildfire risk by taking actions to address safety, homes, neighborhoods, businesses and infrastructure, forest, parks, open spaces, and other community assets. Firewise Program A national initiative whose purpose is the reduction of structural losses from wildland fires. Firewise Community/USA A national recognition program for communities that take action to protect themselves from wildland fire. Fuels All combustible materials within the wildland/urban interface or intermix including, but not limited to, vegetation and structures. Fuel Modification Any manipulation or removal of fuels to reduce the likelihood of ignition or the resistance to fire control. Hazard & Wildfire Risk Assessment An evaluation to determine an area's (community's) potential to be impacted by an approaching wildland fire. Healthy Forests Initiative - Launched in August 2002 by President Bush (following passage of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act by Congress) with the 37 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N intent to reduce the risks severe wildfires pose to people, communities, and the environment. Home Ignition Zone (Structure Ignition Zone) - Treatment area for wildfire protection. The "zone" includes the structure(s) and their immediate surroundings from 0-200 ft. Mitigation An action that moderates the severity of a fire hazard or risk. National Fire Plan National initiative, passed by Congress in the year 2000, following a landmark wildland fire season, with the intent of actively responding to severe wildland fires and their impacts to communities while ensuring sufficient firefighting capacity for the future. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - An international nonprofit organization established in 1896, whose mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Prescribed Burning (fire) The use of planned fire that is deliberately set under specific fuel and weather condition to accomplish a variety of management objectives and is under control until it burns out or is extinguished. Ready, Set, Go - A program fire services use to help homeowners understand wildfire preparedness, awareness, and planning procedures for evacuation. Southern Group of State Foresters Organization whose members are the agency heads of the forestry agencies of the 13 southern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Stakeholders Individuals, groups, organizations, businesses or others who have an interest in wildland fire protection and may wish to review and/or contribute to the CWPP content. Wildfire or Wildland Fire An unplanned and uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels. Wildland/Urban Interface - The presence of structures in locations in which the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) determines that topographical features, vegetation, fuel types, local weather conditions and prevailing winds result in the potential for ignition of the structures within the area from flames and firebrands from a wildland fire (NFPA 1144, 2008 edition) 38 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N lX. SOURCES OF INFORMATION Publications/Brochures/Websites FIREWISE materials can be ordered at www.firewise.org Georgia Forestry Commission www.georgiafirewise.org Rockdale County Fire & Rescue http://www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?ID=3317 Examples of successful wildfire mitigation programs can be viewed at the website for National Database of State and Local wildfire Hazard Mitigation Programs sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the Southern Group of State Foresters www.wildfireprograms.com Information about a variety of interface issues (including wildfire) can be found at the USFS website for Interface South: www.interfacesouth.org Information on codes and standards for emergency services including wildfire can be found at www.nfpa.org Information on FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com Information on National Fire Plan grants can be found at http://www.federalgrantswire.com/national-fire-plan--rural-fireassistance.html Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment website SouthWRAP www.southernwildfirerisk.com Fire Adapted Communities www.fireadapted.org Ready, Set, Go www.wildlandfirersg.org Appended Documents Rockdale County Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment (SouthWRAP) 39 W I L D F I R E P R O T E C T I O N P L A N: A N A C T I O N P L A N F O R W I L D F I R E M I T I G A T I O N P. O. Box 819 Macon, GA 31202 1-800-GA-TREES www.GaTrees.org The Georgia Forestry Commission provides leadership, service, and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia's forest resources. An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider This plan should become a working document that is shared by local, state, and federal agencies that will use it to accomplish common goals. An agreed-upon schedule for meeting to review accomplishments, solve problems, and plan for the future should extend beyond the scope of this plan. Without this follow up this plan will have limited value. 40