Robin Little
KRV Fire Safe Council

Since the Kern River Valley Fire Safe Council (KRVFSC) began in 2000 the Forest Service and the BLM have been invaluable agency partners. Both Scott Williams and Debbie Santiago have assisted this FSC with agency grant funding for hazardous fuel reduction projects. In addition, Forest Service assistance has been notable for the road sign project and guidance in agency collaboration for future wildfire mitigation projects. Educational outreach to the communities has been Santiago’s passion which is easily recognized at Fire Safe Council presentations. She has also supervised the three Student Conservation Teams here in the KRV.

BLM and the Forest Service, along with the Kern County Fire Department, have been active participants in the High Desert Fire Prevention Programs presented to Kern County elementary schools as well as the annual Wildfire Awareness Week events.

Kern River Valley Fire Safe Council President Lloyd Smith presented appreciation plaques to Scott Williams and District Ranger of the Forest Service at last month’s Fire Safe Council meeting.

Throughout the United States the interagency cooperation of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Kern County Fire Department is legendary. The residents of the Kern River Valley and outlying areas are the fortunate recipients of this cooperative attitude.