The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise Communities Program announces its 2015 Firewise Calendar art/photo contest and invites young artists, between the ages of 6 – 18, to submit their drawing or photo of a project that highlights wildfire safety or an activity/event that helps keep wildland firefighters safer. The deadline to submit artwork is June 2, 2014.
The calendar will serve as a resource for homeowners, educators and others whose interactions with students make it possible to have an open dialogue about the importance of their role in creating safer, more fire adapted communities. The calendar contest also provides an opportunity to encourage and inspire youth to actively participate in wildfire mitigation activities at home and in their neighborhoods. A list of project ideas can be found on NFPA’s wildland fire web page.
During the past few years, NFPA has continued efforts to promote wildfire safety among school-aged youth. A number of resources are available on its Firewise website including a “Kids Corner” and interactive modules and quizzes for those living in the wildland/urban interface (WUI) and in high-risk wildfire areas. These and other resources help raise awareness and change students’ behavior and attitudes regarding wildfire preparedness and risk reduction.
A total of 14 original drawings, artwork and photos will be selected representing each month of the year, and the back and front covers of the 2015 Firewise calendar. Winners will also receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Entrants may submit one unique and original piece of artwork or photo to the contest.
“Our calendar contests historically have been an important tool in our outreach to residents living in high-risk wildfire areas,” said Lucian Deaton, NFPA’s senior project manager of the Firewise Communities and Fire Adapted Communities Programs. “This year’s contest provides a great opportunity for students to show their creativity and impart their knowledge about the wildfire problem, and to share with others the role they play in creating safer places to live.”
More information about the 2015 Firewise Calendar contest, including the contest rules and entry form, can be found on the calendar contest web page on the Firewise website.
