Chief Darryl Kerley announced today the Oak Ridge Fire Department’s new
fire prevention program called Fire Wise. The program has been developed in conjunction with
the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division.

The Fire Wise campaign is an effort to make residents more aware of the potential for a wild
land fire. The campaign will provide information on steps that residents may take to minimize
risk, and help residents better prepare their property and homes in the event that a wild land fire
occurs.

While wild land fires are not an everyday occurrence inside the City, as more and more homes
are built in wooded areas, the risk of these homes becoming endangered due to a wild land fire
increases. In addition, with many parts of the City backing up to greenbelts and natural areas,
the risk of a fire traveling through these areas to nearby homes is increasing.

During the week of June 11th, employees of the Oak Ridge Fire Department will begin
distributing Fire Wise materials via a door to door campaign to residences located off of Scenic
Drive on the East end of town, and Whippoorwill Drive on the West end.

The official kick off will be held during the Secret City Festival June 15th and 16th. Any resident
who would like more information can stop by the Fire Department booth at the Festival.
Employees of the Fire Department and the Tennessee Division of Forestry will be on hand to
help residents with questions.

For more information contact: Josh Waldo: (865) 382-7267