photo by: Douglas County Extension

Douglas County Extension is inviting residents to a free program on prescribed burning and wildfire safety.

Douglas County Extension is inviting residents to a free program to learn about how to protect lives and property from wildfires.

The program will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14 at Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. The program will talk about how fire is used as a management tool, and it will highlight prescribed burning and wildfire risk reduction, according to a press release from Douglas County.

By the end of the program, attendees will have a better understanding of when fire helps, when it threatens and how thoughtful planning can protect people, property and ecosystems.

Each year, the Douglas County fire departments respond to hundreds of wildfires. The release said, according to fire officials, 95% of wildfires result from the activity of people.

The agenda for the program includes:

• 9 a.m. – Sharon Ashworth of Douglas County Extension will welcome attendees and give a presentation on the Land Stewardship Assistance for Douglas County Guide.

• 9:15 a.m. – Andrew Rutter of the Baker University Wetlands & Discovery Center will discuss how prescribed fire can be used as a tool for vegetation and wildlife habitat management.

• 10 a.m. – Shawna Hartman of the Kansas Forest Service will give people tips on how you can protect your home and property from wildfire.

• 10:45 a.m. – Jessica Layton, president of the Kaw Valley Prescribed Burn Association will highlight Prescribed Burn Associations and the work they do for a community.

• 11:30 a.m. – Attendees can visit with agencies and businesses involved with wildfire protection and prescribed burning, including Douglas County Emergency Management.

The program is free, but attendees must register at https://bit.ly/living-fire-26. For more information, contact Ashworth at sashworth@ksu.edu.