| NFPA and PiP have been involved in the wildland fire safety field for several decades |
NFPA and PiP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to serve as the framework of cooperation, concerning the delivery of wildland/urban interface (WUI) education and wildland fire risk mitigation programs.
As wildfire risk to people and property continues to be a growing problem throughout North America, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a recognised leader on fire and life safety, announced a formalized relationship with Partners in Protection (PiP), a Canadian non-profit association focused on reducing wildland fire loss. The two organisations have been involved in the wildland fire safety field for several decades, and will support each other’s missions to further protect people and property at risk from wildland fires.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both organisations will serve as the framework of cooperation between NFPA and PiP concerning the delivery of wildland/urban interface (WUI) education and wildland fire risk mitigation programs.
“NFPA joins much of the international community as concerns increase about how to protect lives and property when wildland fires occur where people live,” said James M. Shannon, NFPA’s president. “Joining together with PiP to expand the outreach of wildland fire safety information and initiatives throughout Canada is a fantastic opportunity to unite our organisations and work toward a common goal – reducing the losses associated with wildfire.”
NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division and its Firewise Communities/USA® program continues to expand its influence both nationally and around the world to advance its safety mission, protect lives and reduce injuries and property loss due to wildfire. The Wildland Fire Operations Division will support PiP in its efforts to further develop their FireSmart recognition program, similar in scope to the Firewise Communities/USA program.
Sean Tracey, NFPA’s Canadian regional manager, said, “NFPA’s partnership with PiP is an important collaboration which will allow both organisations to openly share research, best practices and lessons learned related to wildfire science and mitigation. The public at-large will benefit from it.”
WUI programs and related wildland fire outreach efforts will be administered by NFPA’s Firewise and PiP’s FireSmart programs. Molly Mowery, associate project manager, Wildland Fire Operations Division, will serve as a member of the PiP Board of Directors, and assist with the implementation of communications activities.
“Being affiliated with a world-renowned leader in fire prevention and public safety brings greater recognition and credibility to the Partners in Protection Association. We look forward to working with NFPA to meet the challenges of wildland/urban interface fires,” said Kelly O’Shea, executive director, Partners in Protection Association.