As wildfire risk to people and property continues to be a growing problem throughout North America, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a recognized leader on fire and life safety, announced a formalized relationship with Partners in Protection (PiP), a Canadian non-profit association focused on reducing wildland fire loss. The two organizations have been involved with wildland fire safety issues over the past several decades, and will support each other’s missions to further protect people and property at risk from wildland fires.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both organizations will serve as the framework of cooperation between NFPA and PiP concerning the delivery of wildland/urban interface (WUI) education and wildland fire risk mitigation programs.
“NFPA joins much of the international community as concerns increase about how to protect lives and property when wildland fires occur where people live,” said James M. Shannon, NFPA’s president. “Joining together with PiP to expand the outreach of wildland fire safety information and initiatives throughout Canada is a fantastic opportunity to unite our organizations and work toward a common goal – reducing the losses associated with wildfire.”
NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division and its Firewise Communities/USA® program continues to expand its influence both nationally and around the world to advance its safety mission, protect lives and reduce injuries and property loss due to wildfire. The Wildland Fire Operations Division will support PiP in its efforts to further develop their FireSmart recognition program, similar in scope to the Firewise Communities/USA program.
Sean Tracey, NFPA’s Canadian regional manager, said, “NFPA’s partnership with PiP is an important collaboration which will allow both organizations to openly share research, best practices and lessons learned related to wildfire science and mitigation. The public at-large will benefit from it.”
WUI programs and related wildland fire outreach efforts will be administered by NFPA’s Firewise and PiP’s FireSmart programs. Molly Mowery, associate project manager, Wildland Fire Operations Division, will serve as a member of the PiP Board of Directors, and assist with the implementation of communications activities.
“Being affiliated with a world-renowned leader in fire prevention and public safety brings greater recognition and credibility to the Partners in Protection Association. We look forward to working with NFPA to meet the challenges of wildland/urban interface fires,” said Kelly O’Shea, executive director, Partners in Protection Association.
The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise Communities Program encourages local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildfire. The program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters.
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 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. Visit NFPA’s website at www.nfpa.org for more information.
