Four communities in Southwest Colorado have helped make the state the third inductee into the FireWise 100 Club, so to speak – states with at least 100 local neighborhoods that have reduced their risk for wildfire.

The other 100-plus states are Arkansas and Washington.

“Reaching the 100 benchmark is a major accomplishment,” said Cathy Prudhomme, the community outreach manager with the National Fire Protection Association’s division of wildland fire operations.

FireWise Communities USA recognized three Colorado newcomers in recent weeks to bring the number of qualified neighborhoods in the state to 101.

Subdivisions in Southwest Colorado already recognized for their neighborhood protection plans are Elk Stream Ranch near Mancos, Falls Creek Ranch north of Durango, Vista de Oro near Hesperus and Deer Valley near Bayfield.

As of Nov. 4, there were 1,118 FireWise communities in 41 states.

In order to qualify, a neighborhood must:

Get a wildfire-risk assessment from a state forestry agency or fire department.

Form an organizing committee to devise an action plan.

Conduct a FireWise Day observation annually.

Invest a minimum of $2 per capita in FireWise actions annually.

daler@durangoherald.com