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Flames in the W/UI: How Wildfire Mitigation Planning Can Minimize Risk to People and Property
Track(s): Emergency Preparedness/Business Continuity

Gerry LaCavera, Florida Division of Forestry;
Molly Mowery, NFPA

Audio Sample:




This session focuses on the importance and effectiveness of wildfire mitigation planning. We will present a variety of mitigation options — information, education/outreach, and fuel management strategies — and discuss how each option helps reduce wildfire risk to communities. The session will highlight a range of initiatives currently underway in the state of Florida: the Firewise Communities program, Ready, Set, Go!, Community Wildfire Protection Plans, an updated Wildfire Mitigation Planning guidebook, and the development of a state Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Plan. These initiatives will be discussed in terms of their ability to advance mitigation planning efforts, prioritize areas at risk, and/or increase funding opportunities for wildfire hazard mitigation.

Gerry LaCavera is the Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator for Florida's Division of Forestry. During the past 11 years LaCavera managed numerous wildfire mitigation projects including developing a wildfire annex for Florida's hazard mitigation plan. He has presented at conferences and workshops throughout the US. LaCavera holds a B.A. from Colgate and an M. Ed. from Penn State. He is a certified prescribed burner and member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Forest and Rural Fire Protection.

Molly Mowery is Associate Project Manager in the Wildland Fire Operations Division at NFPA. She is involved with managing the national Firewise Communities program and other wildland fire initiatives. Prior to joining NFPA, Mowery worked as hazards planner in Florida where she focused on wildfire mitigation planning. She has also worked internationally on sustainable development and other land use planning issues. Mowery earned her Master's degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.