| "Fire
Mitigation Contractors Help Homeowners Prepare for
Fire Season"
Fire
Ready press release, May 21, 2007
LAKE
CITY, COLO. - Homeowners take note: when wildfire
strikes, fire agencies will do all they can to protect
your home and property. But these agencies are increasingly
constrained by shrinking budgets, and often can
only help those homeowners who have already taken
steps to protect their property. Fortunately, homeowners
don't have to be foresters or firefighters to do
that.
In
a recent letter to Congress, five recent Forest
Service chiefs warned that the costs of fire suppression
are increasing because of long-term drought and
"a series of years that are the warmest on
record." Pointing out that those trends are
predicted to continue, the former Forest Service
chiefs conclude that "particularly in the West,
the fire season is beginning earlier, lasting longer,
with increasing intensity. These fires are increasingly
difficult and expensive to control."
In
addition, more development in forested areas means
that firefighters often find themselves battling
to save homes, not just acres of forest.
But
as you might expect in the self-reliant, rural West,
homeowners are increasingly taking matters into
their own hands instead of counting on government
agencies.
Many,
like Leslie Lauth and Brian Vlass, property owners
near Durango, Colorado, are looking for ways to
protect their home and property from wildfire. Vlass
initially thought about doing the work themselves,
but eventually turned to Fire Ready, a fire mitigation
contractor that helps private homeowners create
defensible space around their home and reduce their
risk from wildfire. "It was worth it",
says Vlass. "They were efficient and got a
tremendous amount of work done." By hiring
the job out, Vlass and Lauth were able to take advantage
of the contractor's expertise. "They knew exactly
which trees to thin to keep the forested feel of
the property", says Lauth. "It was reassuring
to have professional help."
With
the size and intensity of fires on the rise, along
with the number of homes being built in fire-prone
areas, many believe that homeowners should take
responsibility for wildfire risk reduction and good
forest stewardship.
Fire
Ready began in 2001, and provides consulting and
contracting of fire mitigation work for property
owners throughout the state of Colorado. The
company has eight branch offices and has mitigated
over 1,500 properties since 2001. The company
is expanding into other states in the Intermountain
West, and is currently seeking people with a background
in business or natural resources to operate new
offices.
"Homes
are being built in forested areas at a record pace",
says Ryan Borchers, Fire Ready's founder. "The
need for fire mitigation services will continue
to grow as more people retire and move to forested
communities. This work helps homeowners protect
themselves, it helps firefighters do their job safely,
and it makes forests healthier and less vulnerable.
Getting this work done is part of living in a forested
area."
Rich and
Gloria Edwards own a Fire Ready office in Glenwood
Springs, Colorado, and they were recently featured
in the April issue of Self-Employed Magazine. "We
really enjoy being able to help people in our community
do this work that's so important," says Rich
Edwards. "Fire mitigation helps reduce the
risk from wildfire, improves forest health, and
can enhance a property making it more attractive
and more valuable."
Even if government
officials can't agree on how agencies should bear
the increasing costs of wildfire suppression, they
do understand the importance of taking a proactive
approach. In a recent letter to the Edwards, U.S.
Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) said , "Yours is
a company especially worthy of praise, as you are
also playing a role in the protection and fire safety
of fellow citizens. With Colorado still dealing
with the effects of drought and damage from past
forest fires, your important work is greatly appreciated."
For
more information on reducing fire hazard, improving
forest health, or to learn how to apply to open
a Fire Ready business, please visit www.fireready.com
.
"Dan
MacVeigh of Fire Ready Now a Certified Arborist"
Fire
Ready press release, November 15, 2006
PAGOSA SPRINGS,
COLO. - Fire Ready is pleased to announce that Dan
MacVeigh, owner of Fire Ready of Pagosa Springs,
recently demonstrated professional competency by
successfully completing the certified arborist examination
of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
The purpose
of the ISA Certification Program is to improve the
level of knowledge and standards of practice within
the tree care profession. The public can then identify
those professionals who have demonstrated - through
this examination process - a thorough knowledge
of tree care practices.
"I am
pleased to offer additional tree care services -
at this professional level - to complement existing
fire mitigation services," says Dan MacVeigh.
For more
information on caring for your trees, improving
forest health, or to learn how Fire Ready can help,
please visit our website at www.fireready.com
or contact the Pagosa Springs office
at pagosa@fireready.com
or 970-759-9380.
"Local
Forestry Company Reaches New Heights"
Fire Ready press release, July 26, 2006
GLENWOOD
SPRINGS, COLO. - Move over, Jim Carrey! With thick
forests, steep slopes, beetles, branches, and bushes
. . . Fire Ready may be the kind of "Cable
Guy" homeowners want to have around their homes!
"We are very excited to offer a new cable yarder as part of our mitigation and forestry services," says Rich Edwards, certified forester and owner of Fire Ready of Glenwood Springs. "Our Koller K-300 cable system will help us access steep slopes and hard-to-reach places that have been difficult or impossible to reach before." Fire Ready of Glenwood Springs provides wildfire protection and forestry services in Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties.
Originally called "steam donkeys," cable yarders have been used in the US and Europe for over 100 years. Originally developed in Austria for use in the Alps, yarders use a system of cables anchored on downslope trees to run a pulley system that brings logs and branches uphill. Fire Ready's 27-foot Koller can be used on roadsides, driveways, and residential areas. Edwards also said that the Koller is low-impact since it does not use heavy tracks or disturb forest soils.
Forested regions in central Colorado are facing two key issues: increased wildfire danger due to expanding subdivisions in forested areas, and large outbreaks of forest pests. In the Roaring Fork Valley, homes are being built on steep slopes surrounded by dense, inaccessible forests.
"At least half our projects include slopes of 45 to 70 percent, making work labor-intensive and time-consuming," says Edwards. "The Koller can be used in areas where the slopes are over 35%, and there's enough room to position it with a 1-ton truck." The small size, quiet engine, and portability makes using the yarder a good forestry option in residential areas and community forest restoration projects.
Fire Ready also offers hand-crew mitigation services, forest restoration work, winter beetle surveys, GPS mapping, and community presentations. For more information, please visit www.fireready.com, or call 970-309-5500 for a free estimate. "Fire Ready's K300 yarder made all the difference in completing steep sections of our shaded fuel break project. It fits with the rest of their quality work," said Bob Egizi, Public Safety Officer for the Cordillera Metro District.
"Fire Ready Releases Educational Short Film"
Fire Ready press release, June 27, 2006
Fire Ready, the leading wildfire protection and forestry professionals, is pleased to announce the release of an educational short film in DVD format. The "Are You Ready?" short film addresses issues of wildfire preparedness and forest stewardship. Six stand-alone chapters include: "The Human Cost of Wildfire", "A Brief History", "The Wildland-Urban Interface", "Fuel Reduction and Defensible Space" and "The Fire Ready Approach".
These DVD's are available at no charge as part of our ongoing effort to educate the public about the need to proactively care for our forests and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. Individuals who are interested in sharing this information with friends, family, colleagues, or (perhaps most importantly!) their neighbors, should contact their local Fire Ready office, email Fire Ready or call 970-749-7267. To locate the nearest Fire Ready office, please visit www.fireready.com and click on "Office Locations".
This short film is also available online at www.fireready.com.
Fire Ready would like to thank the firefighters, foresters, ecologists, and homeowners that contributed to this short film, and would like to extend a special thank you to Brent Notbohm of Mirror Cinema Products for his expertise and excellence in videography.
Individual home and property owners can proactively prepare for wildfire. For more information on reducing fire hazard, improving forest health, or to learn how Fire Ready can help, please visit our website at www.fireready.com.
About Fire Ready
Fire Ready is the nation's leading fire mitigation and professional forestry company. Fire Ready helps home and property owners create defensible space, improve the health of their forest and reduce overall risk from wildfire. Fire Ready began in 2001 in Durango, Colorado, and now has 12 independently-owned offices in Colorado and Oregon.
"Virtual Fire-Risk Assessment Program Created for Off-Site Owners"
Fire Ready press release, June 6, 2006
Fire Ready, the leading wildfire protection and forestry professionals, announces a new web-based "e-estimate" that will allow off-site home and property owners in forested areas to have a professional risk assessment performed without being present. With the new e-estimate, non-resident owners can receive information on wildfire risk reduction specific to their property, complete with digital photos.
The ability to provide customized, site-specific information, including photos, is ideal for subdivision-wide assessments, where being able to provide non-resident owners with information specific to their property is key to the process of risk assessment and mitigation. The Fire Ready e-estimate is also expected to be valuable in helping property managers and realtors provide customized fire mitigation information to their clients.
"Fire Ready is the only fire mitigation company that provides this service," says Ryan Borchers of Fire Ready. "It's another way Fire Ready separates itself from the competition by providing our customers with exceptional convenience and service."
"The e-estimate will be a valuable option for non-resident owners, as we work with them to create safer and more aesthetic forest conditions on their property," says Dan Ihnot, owner of Fire Ready of Ridgway/Telluride
Individual home and property owners can proactively prepare for wildfire. For more information on reducing fire hazard, improving forest health, or to learn how Fire Ready can help, please visit our website at www.fireready.com.
About Fire Ready
Fire Ready is the nation's leading fire mitigation and professional forestry company. Fire Ready helps home and property owners create defensible space, improve the health of their forest and reduce overall risk from wildfire. Fire Ready began in 2001 in Durango, Colorado, and now has 12 independently-owned offices in Colorado and Oregon.
"Local Forester Earns National Recognition"
Fire Ready press release, April 1, 2006
Congratulations are extended to Richard Edwards of Fire Ready who was recently awarded the Continuing Forestry Education Accomplishment Certificate by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) centered in Bethesda, MD, in January 2006. Richard completed a landmark 212 hours of continuing forestry education credits and professional development during the last three years. Richard has been a SAF member forester since 1987, and has participated in the Certified Forester program since 1995. The Certified Forester program recognizes forestry professionals for having met a high standard of competence in forestry as demonstrated by professional education, knowledge, experience, and commitment to professional practice and development.
Fire Ready of Glenwood Springs is a locally owned and operated forestry and wildfire protection services company, serving Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin County communities. Fire Ready offers wildfire protection/defensible space services as well as forest restoration, tree thinning and removal, large-capacity chipping services and consulting. For more information, call 970-945-8243.
"New Fire Ready Office Finishing Up First Season"
Fire Ready press release, November 30, 2005
BEND, OR: Fire Ready — wildfire prevention specialists — expanded services to the Pacific Northwest in the spring of 2005. Office owners Keith and Jennifer Banning of Bend, Oregon, are pleased with their first season. "We're really excited about our first year," says Keith. "Moving to Central Oregon has been very rewarding." Keith has also been very active in the community with Kiwanis, the Cloverdale Rural Fire Department, and area Chambers of Commerce. "It's a great community to live and work. We enjoyed being part of the Sisters clean-up day and various other Kiwanis fund-raising activities. Our family looks forward to a long life in central Oregon."
Although Central Oregon did not encounter large wildfires this past summer, the danger is significant for the future. With past snowfall levels low and hot dry summers predicted to come, the wildfire risk is still great. Banning looks forward to working with Central Oregon forest landowners to not only protect their homes but to proactively manage their forested properties and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire damage. Banning says, "I love the natural beauty of living in Central Oregon. I'm committed to preserving the health of natural forested communities. With Fire Ready, my wife Jennifer and I have found a way to combine our business experience with a love for the outdoors."
Fire Ready reduces wildfire risk by working with landowners to create defensible space around forested homes. Additionally, Fire Ready provides arbor care, hazard tree removal, and forest health restoration services. Fire Ready began work in Southwest Colorado, where Fire-Ready properties have withstood the test of wildfire. There are eleven offices operating in Colorado, as well as the Oregon office. "As we expand into the Pacific Northwest, Bend is a natural hub, " says founder Ryan Borchers. "Keith and Jennifer Banning bring a diversity of experience to the Fire Ready network, and we are excited to partner with them."
For a free risk assessment or more information on how to reduce your wildfire hazards, please call the Fire Ready office in Bend, Oregon, at (541) 771-9678, or visit us online at http://www.fireready.com.
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"Fire Ready Comes To Northwest Colorado"
Fire Ready press release, April 8, 2005
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO: Fire Ready - the only statewide wildfire prevention and protection service - is pleased to announce the opening of their newest branch office, Fire Ready of Steamboat Springs, serving Routt, Moffat, Jackson and Grand counties. The office is scheduled to begin operations this spring.
Northwest Colorado has been hit hard by an increase of beetle infestations from an unhealthy forest and the blow down, which occurred in October 1997. Fire Ready of Steamboat Springs owner Brett Ochs brings wildfire experience and a background in biology to the property owners of this forest. Brett's desire to educate and assist property owners, and the community, in protecting their property from a wildfire event is evident.
In the last decade, wildfires consumed millions of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. Drought conditions and growing populations of people moving into the forested west are increasing the risk of loss of life and property during a wildfire event. Colorado State Forest Service says there has been a dramatic increase in wildfire mitigation by local property owners. The most important person in saving a home from wildfire is the property owner - NOT the firefighter. Actions taken by the property owner before a wildfire can proactively reduce the fire risk by doing defensible space. Fire Ready uses low impact techniques to provide wildfire prevention services including defensible space, tree thinning and limbing, hazard tree and brush removal, large-capacity chipping and wildfire risk consulting.
Fire Ready's work was tested during the 2002 fire season. All Fire Ready homes survived the fire, including properties where the Missionary Ridge Fire directly hit defensible space work. Wildfire mitigation work has many benefits, including increased property values, improved wildlife habitat, and reduced risk for wildfire.
For more information on how to reduce your wildfire risk, please visit us on-line at http://www.fireready.com/; call Fire Ready of Steamboat Springs at 970-819-3089 for a free estimate; or drop by Fire Ready's booth at the upcoming Spring Expo in Craig.
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"Fort Collins Fire
Ready Now Open"
Fire Ready press release, May
24, 2004
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO: Fire Ready - a wildfire prevention and
protection service - is benefiting forested communities by reducing
the threat of wildfire. Fire Ready is pleased to announce the
opening of their newest branch office - Fire Ready of Fort
Collins.
Fire Ready of Fort Collins is owned and operated by Tony and
Julie Mahon, fifteen-year residents of Fort Collins. The Mahon's
have two daughters - Kaiya, age 4, and Emma, age 2. They are
expecting a third baby - a boy - in late August. Julie works for the
Larimer County Health Department with the WIC (Women, Infants, and
Children) program. She is a bilingual nutrition counselor.
"Julie and I share a passion for the outdoors, which helped us
make the decision to join this forestry business," says Tony Mahon.
The Mahon's are also active in United Way and Larimer County
Partners for several years. Tony has years of tree-work experience,
as well as high standards for customer service.
"The Mahon's bring integrity and a hard-working ethic to this
venture, and fit in well with the family-oriented Fire Ready
network," says founder Ryan Borchers.
Fire Ready began work in Southwest Colorado and has expanded to
ten offices throughout the state of Colorado. The fire season of
2002 tested Fire Ready's work. Borchers witnessed firsthand the
dramatic protection defensible space provides.
"The Missionary Ridge Fire came to the defensible space of one
Fire Ready home, and dropped to a manageable ground fire.
Unfortunately, nearby homes without defensible space burned."
Preventative actions by homeowners are critical in home survival
during a wildfire event.
Fire Ready provides service to property owners in the
wildland-urban interface, including defensible space, tree thinning,
hazard tree removal, and large-capacity chipping. For more
information on how to reduce your wildfire risk or to find your
local office, please visit us on-line at www.fireready.com or call
Fire Ready of Fort Collins at 970-481-0814.
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"Fire Ready Comes to
Colorado Springs"
Fire Ready
press release, April 6, 2004
EL PASO COUNTY, CO: Fire Ready, the only statewide wildfire
prevention and protection service, is pleased to announce the
opening of their newest branch office, Fire Ready of Colorado
Springs, serving El Paso and Teller counties. The office is
scheduled to begin operations this spring.
El Paso and Teller counties are situated in one of the most
extreme fire danger zones in the state. "This Fire Ready outlet will
provide a valuable service to area residents. We have found a
terrific partner in Andrew Notbohm," says Ryan Borchers, Fire Ready
founder. "He brings experience, enthusiasm and a desire to educate
property owners and assist them in protecting their property from a
catastrophic wildfire event."
Notbohm believes that his professional services will be in high
demand this year due to the continued drought and extreme fire
danger from fuel-laden forests. He has an extensive background in
outdoor education and administration, and has received training in
wildland firefighting and forest health. Notbohm believes his
education in geography and landscape change, combined with his
experience as a teacher and Fire Ready administrator and foreman
will prove valuable to El Paso and Teller counties. "I considered
many areas in the state and felt that the Colorado Springs area was
the best for me, both professionally and personally."
Dry conditions and growing populations in rural areas increase
the risk of loss of property and life during a catastrophic
wildfire. According to the Colorado State Forest Service, there has
been a dramatic increase in wildfire mitigation by local property
owners. The most important person in saving a home from wildfire is
the property owner - not the firefighter. Actions taken before the
fire comes are crucial. Residents can proactively reduce wildfire
risk by creating a defensible space. Fire Ready uses low impact
techniques to provide wildfire prevention services including
defensible space, tree thinning and limbing, hazard tree and brush
removal, large-capacity chipping, and wildfire risk consulting.
Fire Ready's work was tested during the fire season of 2002. All
Fire Ready homes survived the fires, including two properties where
the defensible space work was directly tested by the Missionary
Ridge Fire. Wildfire mitigation work has many benefits, including
increased property values; improved accessibility in forested areas;
improved wildlife habitat for grazers; and reduced risk for
wildfire.
Currently there are nine Fire Ready offices serving Colorado. For
more information on how to reduce your wildfire risk, please visit
us on-line at www.fireready.com or call Fire Ready of Colorado
Springs at 719-494-1820 for a free estimate.
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"Fire Ready Serves
Salida"
Fire Ready press
release, March 24, 2004
SALIDA, COLORADO: Fire Ready - a wildfire prevention and
protection service - is benefiting forested communities by reducing
the threat of wildfire. Fire Ready is pleased to announce the
opening of their newest branch office - Fire Ready of Salida.
Fire Ready of Salida is owned and operated by Angie Jenson,
five-year veteran of wildland firefighting. "Her background in
environmental studies and extensive on-the-ground experience makes
her an ideal branch office owner," says Ryan Borchers, founder.
Angie has worked as a wilderness ranger, firefighter, and on several
wildland fire engines - including being stationed in Salida several
years ago. She just returned from a winter job in Australia, as a
helicopter hover exit crew member. Angie's broad range of fire and
saw experience increased her interest in reducing fire hazards.
"I'm interested in promoting finished wildfire resistant
landscapes as a way to reduce wildfire risk and increase the safety
of our mountain communities," says Angie Jenson. Fire Ready of
Salida will serve Chaffee, Lake, and Saguache counties.
Fire Ready began work in Southwest Colorado and has expanded to
nine offices throughout the state of Colorado. The fire season of
2002 tested Fire Ready's work. Borchers witnessed firsthand the
dramatic protection defensible space provides. "The Missionary Ridge
Fire came to the defensible space of one Fire Ready home, and
dropped to a manageable ground fire. Unfortunately, nearby homes
without defensible space burned." Preventative actions by homeowners
are critical in home survival during a wildfire event.
Fire Ready provides service to landowners and subdivisions in the
wildland-urban interface, including defensible space, fuels
reduction, tree thinning, hazard tree removal, large-capacity
chipping, wildfire risk consulting, and beetle control. Entire
landscapes must be mitigated, as wildfire and insect outbreaks know
no property boundaries.
For more information on how to reduce your wildfire risk, please
visit us on-line at www.fireready.com or call the Fire Ready of
Salida office to schedule a free estimate at 719-539-4944.
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"Fire Ready Expands into
Crested Butte"
Fire Ready press release,
March 3, 2004
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO: Fire Ready is pleased to announce its
newest office in Crested Butte, Colorado, serving Gunnison,
Hinsdale, and western Saguache counties. Fire Ready provides
wildfire resistant landscaping, including defensible space, tree
thinning and limbing, hazardous tree removal, large-capacity
chipping, and arborist services. The increased demand from local
residents for wildfire mitigation and forest landscaping services
prompted this opening.
Residents who choose to live in the
forest do so because of the privacy and the natural beauty. However,
the threat of wildfire has increased with our overgrown forests and
a booming rural population. Residents can proactively reduce
wildfire risk by creating a defensible space - a circle of
protection around a forested home that includes pockets of
vegetation.
Fire Ready of Crested Butte is owned and operated by Abe Fischer,
a seven-year local resident. Abe believes that a healthy forest is
the cornerstone to a healthy mountain economy. He has become
increasingly concerned about wildfire danger that threatens local
forests, businesses, and homes scattered throughout Colorado's high
country.
"I am excited to work with property owners in further developing
their visions for a beautiful landscape that is also more resilient
in the event of a wildfire," says Fischer. "My primary concern is to
promote a healthy forest by reducing the build-up of vegetation
where too many trees are competing for limited amounts of nutrients
and water."
Fire Ready offers cutting-edge forest management and wildfire
prevention, using low-impact techniques to protect valuable
soils.
"The Fire Ready network approaches fire mitigation with a
balanced perspective. We are arborists, landscapers, foresters, and
wildland firefighters," says founder Ryan Borchers.
For more information on how to reduce your wildfire risk, or to
schedule an estimate, please call the Fire Ready of Crested Butte
office at 970-349-0191 or visit us online at www.fireready.com. Fire
Ready has nine offices in the state of Colorado.
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"Fire Ready Opens New
Office"
Fire Ready press release, February
2004
SEDALIA, COLORADO - Fire Ready, the only statewide provider of
wildfire prevention and protection services, announces the opening
of their newest branch office, Fire Ready of South Platte Basin,
serving Douglas, Elbert, and Park counties. Operations are under way
early this spring.
Last year, wildfires consumed millions of acres and destroyed
hundreds of homes. Dry conditions and growing populations in rural
areas increase the risk of loss of life and property during a
wildfire. According to the Colorado State Forest Service, there has
been a dramatic increase in wildfire mitigation by local property
owners. The most important person in saving a home from wildfire is
the property owner - not the firefighter. Actions taken before the
fire arrives are critical; residents can proactively reduce wildfire
risk by creating a defensible space.
Homeowners are increasingly recognizing the invaluable benefits
of implementing a wildfire prevention strategy. Fire Ready is the
provider of choice for these essential services. Using low-impact
techniques, Fire Ready reduces wildfire risk while maintaining
natural beauty and privacy screening. The majority of Douglas, Park,
and western Elbert counties are identified as high-wildfire risk
areas. The demand for this service in these counties prompted the
opening. Fire Ready of South Platte Basin is owned and operated by
Eric and Margaret Willson.
"Eric and Margaret are community-minded and professional --
well-able to provide the Fire Ready service in the South Platte
Basin," says Ryan Borchers, founder of Fire Ready. Eric and Margaret
have a two-year-old daughter, Helena, and are expecting a baby in
late February.
This professional and effective on-the-ground service will reduce
the danger of wildfire in the South Platte Basin. Fire Ready
services include defensible space; tree pruning, cutting, and
removal; and large-capacity chipping.
Fire Ready began work in Southwest Colorado in the 1990's and has
expanded throughout the state to meet the high demand for safer
forests. Ryan Borchers witnessed firsthand the benefits of creating
defensible space during the Missionary Ridge fire. "Not one of our
clients lost their homes. The fire came to the edges of the
defensible space surrounding Fire Ready homes. Unfortunately, nearby
properties without defensible spaces burned." Even with the wet
winter, he recommends that homeowners prepare now for fire
season.
There are nine Fire Ready offices statewide. For more information
on how to reduce your wildfire risk, please visit us online at
www.fireready.com or call the Fire Ready office of the South Platte
Basin at 303-458-1349.
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"Fire Ready
Springs Into Glenwood"
Fire Ready press
release, February 2004
NEW CASTLE, COLORADO - Fire Ready - a wildfire prevention and
protection service - is pleased to announce its latest branch
opening in the Glenwood Springs area during the spring of 2004. The
office will be owned by Richard and Gloria Edwards of New Castle,
Colorado.
Richard and Gloria bring an extensive experience in forestry,
fire, and natural resource management. Richard earned his Bachelor's
degree in Forestry in 1985 from Northern Arizona University, a
Master's in Forest Engineering from Oregon State in 1992, and
maintains his Certified Forester status through the Society of
American Foresters. He has broad experience in timber management,
logging operations, engineering, and fire mitigation. He also
recently earned his firefighters' certification.
Gloria has her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the
University of Maryland, a Master's degree in Natural History from
Northern Arizona University, and professional experience in
archaeology, botany, silviculture, landscaping, and safety training.
Additionally, she has worked in threatened and endangered species
and firefighting for the USDA Forest Service in five western
states.
Rich and Gloria have two children, and are looking forward to
becoming part of the Glenwood area. "We considered many areas within
the state, and felt that the Glenwood community is the best for us,
both professionally and personally. The response from the community
has been tremendous, and everyone has been wonderful in helping us
feel comfortable and get started," says Gloria.
Richard adds, "With increased forest stress and insect outbreaks,
defensible space protection for homeowners in this region is
absolutely essential. This work gives me great satisfaction in
knowing that we have performed such a valuable service for people. I
love what I do."
The Glenwood Springs branch of Fire Ready will be serving the
counties of Garfield, Pitkin, and Eagle, after the spring thaw of
2004. You can contact the Glenwood Springs office at 970-309-5500 or
click here to e-mail the office.
Fire Ready offers wildfire mitigation, defensible space, tree
thinning and limbing, brush removal, and large capacity chipping
service. Offices are located throughout the state of Colorado. For
more information, visit us on-line at www.fireready.com
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"Local Fire Ready Changes
Ownership"
Fire Ready press release, February
2004
DURANGO, COLORADO - Fire Ready - wildfire prevention services -
is re-organizing to meet the demand for its services. Fire Ready is
entering into its fourth year of operation in Southwest Colorado and
has grown to nine offices statewide.
Fire Ready is excited to be able to grow its service centers
throughout the west. Founder Ryan Borchers says "high-quality
service is the backbone of Fire Ready."
"We have found exceptional owners for the Fire Ready of
Durango/Cortez branch office. "
Mike Kane Sr. and Connie Kane will be taking over operations in
the Durango/Cortez area, along with their son Mike Jr. of
Mancos.
"We are excited about Fire Ready, and the opportunity to run a
family-business," says Mike Kane. Mike and Connie relocated to
southwest Colorado in late 2000. The Kane family brings to Fire
Ready a solid background in forestry management, environmental
education, chemistry, sales and marketing.
Fire Ready headquarters will continue to work with all branch
office owners - in an advisory and supporting role. The Fire Ready
franchisee training program covers forestry, arboriculture, wildfire
ecology, and community fire education.
Fire Ready provides wildfire prevention services including:
defensible space, dead tree removal, tree climbing and pruning,
large-capacity chipping, and certified tree spraying for
beetle-attack prevention. Visit us online for more information at
www.fireready.com or call the Durango Fire Ready office at
970-533-7078 to schedule a free estimate today.
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"Fire Ready Launches
Crested Butte Office"
Fire Ready press
release, December 2003
MANCOS, COLORADO. - Fire Ready of Crested Butte was established
in December of 2003 by Abe Fischer, a Colorado native and outdoor
enthusiast. He received dual degrees in Economics and Political
Science with a pre-law emphasis from Western State College in
Gunnison, Colorado.
As a Crested Butte resident for the past seven years, Abe has
realized that a healthy forest is the cornerstone to a healthy
mountain economy and has grown increasingly concerned about the
wildfire danger that has threatened local forests, businesses, and
homes scattered throughout Colorado's high country.
This new fuels reduction company offers cutting-edge forest
management, mitigation work, and wildfire prevention services. Abe
will work hard to prepare proactive homeowners in western Saguache,
Hindsdale, Gunnison, and Delta counties for another Colorado
summer.
Fire Ready of Crested Butte will be up and running after the
first thaw of 2004.
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"Fire Ready Branch in
Salida Welcomed"
Fire Ready press release,
November 11, 2003
The Fire Ready branch in Salida was signed into
contract in the fall of 2003 by Angie Jenson, a five-year veteran of
wildland firefighting. Her background is in Environmental Studies
with a Bachelor's degree from Utah State University.
Angie started working for the U.S. Forest Service
(USFS) as a wilderness intern. In the next year she began a career
in wildland firefighting with a USFS forestry crew in Salmon, Idaho,
which worked on an engine in Salida, Colorado. During 2001, she was
employed as a Senior Firefighter on a helicopter in Challis, Idaho.
Angie served as an assistant foreman on a heavy type IV engine in
Vail, Colorado and as a sawyer for the Asheville Hot Shot crew on
the east coast. Currently she is working in Australia as a
helicopter hover exit crew member during their fire season.
Angie's broad range of fire and saw experience has
increased her interest in fuel reduction, forest health, and fire
mitigation work. This is why she decided to join the ranks of Fire
Ready. Among all her travel destinations, Salida is one of her
favorite places; therefore, it only seemed appropriate to start a
branch in that part of Colorado. Fire Ready Salida will be up and
running in March of 2004.
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"FireBreak System
Protects Homes"
Fire Ready press release,
November 4, 2003
Mancos, Colo. - The question of "if" there will be a wildfire in
forested communities is really "when" there will be a wildfire.
Communities throughout the West are proactively preparing for the
next wildfire event by creating defensible space and applying
fire-barrier products. Wildland-urban interface residents - those
who live in the area between forest and city - can take advantage of
the FireBreak Spray System as an effective tool in protecting our
homes from the threat of wildfire.
A spray system - called FireBreak - protects homes and other
structures with the same powerful fire-retardant used in
firefighting air tanker drops. A tank (about the size of a hot water
heater) can continuously spray the fire retardant over an area large
enough to protect a 4,500 square foot home. Systems can be installed
with a manual sprayer or a sprinkler system. The FireBreak Spray
System can be activated remotely with just a telephone call.
Firebreak Spray Systems LLC of Sisters, Oregon, has developed
this retardant delivery system designed to prevent homes from
catching fire. This easy-to-use, environmentally-sound spray system
drenches the exterior of homes, decks and surrounding landscape in
minutes. Jim Aamodt, product developer and co-owner says, "We have
specially formulated a fire retardant that is colorless ... one that
will not stain or damage the home and is safe for use around plants,
animals and people." Unlike fire-retardant dropped from planes, the
FireBreak Spray System does not include red dye. Once applied, the
fire-retardant will continue to protect a home until it is washed
off with a hose or rainwater, as opposed to barrier foams or gels
which lose effectiveness after several hours.
"What we wanted was a way for homeowners to essentially have an
aerial bomber on call," said Stan Brock, former professional
football player with the New Orleans Saint and San Diego Chargers.
Wildfires tested several FireBreak-treated buildings during the 2003
fire season. Evacuated clients felt more comfortable with the
additional protection of the FireBreak Spray System.
FireBreak is working with Fire Ready - a fire-mitigation company
that specializes in creating defensible space - to offer the
effective spray system to Colorado residents. For more information
on reducing your wildfire risk, contact your local Fire Ready
office, visit us online at www.fireready.com or call our Corporate
Office at 970-533-7078.
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"Fire Ready Offers
Tour"
Fire Ready press release, October 11,
2003
DURANGO - Hundreds of homes burn in wildfires every year. By
creating defensible space, you can reduce your risk to wildfire.
Find out how to protect your forested property.
Fire Ready is sponsoring a free fire mitigation tour, an
information table, and will offer on-site evaluations of fire risk.
The event will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 11am to 1pm at
the Durango Hills subdivision northeast of Durango. Free hot dogs
and soda will be served. Take Florida Road toward Vallecito
Reservoir. The entrance to the Durango Hills subdivision is directly
across from the Fire Station where County Road 234 meets the Florida
Road. For more information, call Fire Ready at 533-7078.
"Fire Ready Offers
Tour"
Fire Ready press release, September 15,
2003
DURANGO - Hundreds of homes burn in wildfires every year. By
creating defensible space, you can reduce your risk to wildfire.
Find out how to protect your forested property.
Fire Ready is sponsoring a free fire mitigation tour. The event
will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. at the
Aspen Trails subdivision northeast of Durango. Free hotdogs and
refreshments will be available. To get to the tour take Florida Road
toward Lemon Reservoir. Aspen Trails is approximately twelve miles
from Durango, directly behind the Upper Pine Fire Protection
District. For more information call Fire Ready at
533-7078.
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"Fire Ready Adds Arborist
Service"
Fire Ready press release, August 13,
2003
TELLURIDE, COLORADO: ISA-Certified Arborist Tyler Schultz has
joined the Fire Ready team. Fire Ready offers wildfire prevention
services to home and property owners who live in the forest. "We are
able to offer a better service to our clients by partnering with a
certified arborist," says founder Ryan Borchers.
"Tyler Schultz fits right in with the professionalism and
integrity that is the cornerstone for Fire Ready," according to Dan
Ihnot, owner of Fire Ready of Telluride. Schultz developed his
passion for working in trees in the Pacific Northwest. "I learned
that above all, an arborist is a steward for the trees, making
decisions for a tree's health to ensure its survival for
generations," says Schultz. He received his certification from the
International Society of Arboriculture. "My goal as an arborist is
to create a beautiful, healthy and diverse urban tree landscape that
is filled with prosperous trees." Schultz lives in Ophir with his
partner, Natalie Fijalkowski.
Arborist Services will perform all types of arborist work
including hazardous tree removal, preventative spraying for beetles,
and expert pruning of ornamental and shade trees. Fire Ready is a
statewide service business, working to reduce fire hazards in the
communities of Durango/Cortez, Telluride/Ridgway, Pagosa
Springs/Bayfield, and Boulder/Jefferson County.
For more information, contact Arborist Services at 970-596-7231
or visit us on-line at www.fireready.com
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"Fire Ready Now Offers
Certified Spraying"
Fire Ready press release,
May 19, 2003
DURANGO, COLORADO: Beetle-populations in Southwest Colorado have
reached epidemic levels. While nothing can be done to save trees
already infested with beetles, you can act now to protect trees that
have not yet been attacked.
Fire Ready is pleased to announce a new service of certified
pesticide spraying for beetles. We primarily apply Astro (a
permithrin-based insecticide) which tends to be longer-lasting and
easier on the environment than carbaryl-based insecticides such as
Sevin. Subdivisions and multiple residences qualify for a multiple
tank rate discount.
Removal of live trees during the warm summer months can attract
beetles. The Colorado State Forest Service suggests preventative
spraying concurrently with wildfire mitigation efforts.
In addition to the new spraying service, Fire Ready provides
wildfire protection services including defensible space, dead tree
removals, tree climbing and pruning, and chipping. For more
information, please visit us on-line at www.fireready.com or call
970-533-7078. Fire Ready provides mitigation service in Boulder,
Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Telluride.
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"Consulting Added to
Fire Ready Services "
Fire Ready press
release, March 7, 2003
DURANGO, COLORADO: Fire Ready is pleased to announce its alliance
with Forest Stewardship Concepts (FSC), a consulting business that
focuses on forest restoration and the use of prescribed burning. FSC
President Jim Webb has over 39 years of fire experience, 33 of those
years with the USDA Forest Service.
Together, Fire Ready and FCS will provide consulting on wildfire
risk analysis and mitigation plans, using defensible space design;
GIS mapping of hazards; and fuel break delineations. Subdivisions,
municipalities, and large-acreage property owners can benefit from
wildfire planning. This unique partnership combines consulting with
on-the-ground mitigation work. "This is a natural fit," says Ryan
Borchers, Fire Ready founder. "Now we can provide a more complete
service to landowners."
In addition to consulting, Fire Ready provides wildfire
prevention services to home and property owners, including
defensible space creation, tree thinning and limbing, hazard tree
and brush removal, and large-capacity chipping. Fire Ready began
work in Southwest Colorado and has expanded throughout the state to
meet the high demand for safer forests.
For more information, please visit us on-line at
www.fireready.com or call 970-533-7078. Fire Ready provides
mitigation service in Boulder, Durango, Pagosa Springs, and
Telluride. Branch office opportunities are available throughout the
West.
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"Fire Ready Expands to
Ridgway/Telluride"
Fire Ready press
release, March 3, 2003
RIDGWAY, COLORADO: Fire Ready is pleased to announce the opening
of its newest office in Ridgway, Colorado, serving Ouray and San
Miguel counties. Fire Ready provides wildfire prevention services
including defensible space, tree thinning and limbing, hazard tree
and brush removal, large-capacity chipping, and wildfire risk
consulting.
"This Fire Ready service is needed in the forests of the Northern
San Juans. We have seen Dan Ihnot in mitigation action, and know
local residents will benefit from his knowledge, skills, and
hard-working ethic," says Ryan Borchers, founder of Fire Ready. Dan
Ihnot - owner of Fire Ready of Ridgway/Telluride - has spent the
last 8 years in the Four Corners, and just recently moved to the
Ridgway area. "I'm looking forward to helping neighborhoods and
communities find peace of mind, much like my Fire Ready work in
southwest Colorado."
Ihnot believes his education and environmental studies, combined
with experience as a teacher and a Fire Ready foreman, will prove
valuable to the counties of Ouray and San Miguel. This professional
and effective on-the-ground service will reduce the danger of
wildfire in this area.
Last year, wildfires consumed over half a million acres and
destroyed hundreds of homes in Colorado alone. The prolonged drought
and growing populations in rural areas increase the chances of
catastrophic wildfire.
Fire Ready began work in southwest Colorado and has expanded
throughout the state. The fire season of 2002 tested Fire Ready's
work. Borchers witnessed firsthand the dramatic protection
defensible space provides. "The Missionary Ridge fire came to the
defensible space of one Fire Ready home, and dropped to a manageable
ground fire. Unfortunately, nearby homes without defensible space
burned." Home and property owners are encouraged to prepare now for
another intense fire season.
For more information on how to reduce your wildfire risk, please
visit us on-line at www.fireready.com or call the Fire Ready office
in Ridgway/Telluride at 970-626-9807. Fire Ready also serves
Durango/Cortez, Pagosa Springs, and the Boulder/Gilpin area.
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"Fire Ready Comes to
Boulder"
Fire Ready press release,
February 10, 2003
BOULDER COUNTY, CO: Fire Ready, Inc., the nation's only
franchisor of wildfire prevention and protection services, is
pleased to announce the opening of their newest office in Nederland,
Colorado, serving Boulder and Gilpin counties, and the surrounding
area. The increased demand from local residents for wildfire
mitigation services prompted the opening.
Boulder and Gilpin counties are situated in one of the most
extreme fire danger zones in the state. "This Fire Ready outlet will
provide a valuable service to area residents. We have found terrific
partners in Darren Stepanik and Jennipher Murphy of Nederland," says
Ryan Borchers, Fire Ready founder. "They are enthusiastic to educate
property owners and assist them in protecting their property from a
catastrophic wildfire event."
Stepanik believes that their professional mitigation services
will be in high demand this year due to the continued drought and
extreme fire danger from fuel-laden forests. Both he and Murphy have
lived in the mountains for years and are committed to preserving the
health of natural communities. With Fire Ready, they have found a
way to combine business experience and a love for the outdoors.
Last year, wildfires consumed over half a million acres and
destroyed hundreds of homes in Colorado alone. Dry conditions and
growing populations in rural areas increase the risk of loss of life
and property during a wildfire. According to the Colorado State
Forest Service, there has been a dramatic increase in wildfire
mitigation by local property owners. The most important person in
saving a home from wildfire is the property owner - not the
firefighter. Actions taken before the fire comes are crucial.
Residents can proactively reduce wildfire risk by creating a
defensible space. Fire Ready uses low-impact techniques to reduce
wildfire risk while maintaining natural beauty and privacy
screening.
Fire Ready began work in Southwest Colorado and has expanded
throughout the state to meet the high demand for safer forests.
Borchers witnessed firsthand the benefits of creating defensible
space during the Missionary Ridge Fire. "Not one of our clients lost
their homes. The fire came to the edges of the defensible space
surrounding Fire Ready homes. Unfortunately, nearby properties
without defensible spaces burned." He recommends that homeowners
prepare now for another intense fire season.
For more information on how to reduce your wildfire risk, please
visit us on-line at www.fireready.com or call the Fire Ready office
in Nederland at 303-258-0220. Fire Ready also serves the Pagosa
Springs and Durango/Cortez areas.
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"Train Thins Forest to
Reduce Fire Risk"
Fire Ready press
release, September 14, 2002
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is teaming up
with Fire Ready to reduce wildfire risk along the railroad tracks.
Fuels mitigation work includes tree thinning and brush removal.
Vegetation is landscaped into isolated pockets. Thinning work will
improve scenic views, as well as reduce wildfire risk.
According to railroad officials, most cinders land within
twenty-five feet of the track. If a cinder does start a fire in
mitigated areas, the chances of a large-acreage wildfire are
severely reduced. Work for the remainder of this season will focus
in the highest risk areas of Cascade Wye and Hermosa Hill. Fire
Ready uses hand crews to minimize impacts to the land.
Fire Ready provides wildfire resistant landscaping, including
creating defensible space, tree thinning, brush removal, and
chipping services. Franchise opportunities are available statewide.
Visit www.fireready.com or call 970-533-7078 for more
information.
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"Reduce Your Wildfire
Risk - Open House"
Fire Ready press
release, July 15, 2002
Area residents are invited to a free Open House on Reducing
Wildfire Risk. Tour a wildfire resistant landscape on Fort Lewis
College campus, as well as look at land that has yet to be made Fire
Ready. Discover tips and techniques for homeowners for creating
defensible space. Specific information that will be available
includes fire rehabilitation, wildfire resistant landscaping, and
how to address the issue of wildfire as entire subdivisions.
Thursday, July 25, 2002, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Campground Point.
An alternate indoor location will be available at Fort Lewis College
in case of rain. Free hot dogs and soda. Guest appearance by Smokey
Bear. Sponsored by Fire Ready, the San Juan Mountains Association,
and Fort Lewis College. For more information, please call
970-385-1210.
Fire Ready provides wildfire resistant landscaping and has
offices in Mancos and Pagosa Springs. For more information, visit
our website at www.fireready.com or call us at
970-533-7078.
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"The Business of
Wildfire"
Fire Ready press release, June
17, 2002
FIRE READY, a wildfire resistant landscaping business with
central offices in Southwest Colorado, is offering franchise
opportunities throughout Colorado and the Intermountain West.
Franchise package includes all equipment, marketing, extensive
training, and on-going business support.
Wildfire resistant landscaping creates a safety zone for homes
located in the wildland-urban interface by removing fuels and
breaking up vegetation. The defensible space also creates a place
for firefighters to safely defend a home. Removing all vegetation is
unnecessary. Fire Ready uses low impact techniques that maintain
natural beauty and privacy screening.
Defensible space works. Numerous homes protected by Fire Ready
have passed the test during the monster wildfires of 2002. Nearly
1.3 million people live in areas at high risk to wildfire in
Colorado alone; more homes are being built. The demand for this
service, along with the amount of fuel-laden forested lands, makes
this business successful. For more information, please visit us
on-line at www.fireready.com or call 970-533-7078.
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"Wildfire Open
House"
Fire Ready press release, June
30, 2001
Every year, hundreds of homes are lost to wildfire. Learn how to
protect your home, property, and community from catastrophic
wildfire! Please join us for an Open House on Tuesday evening, July
17th, 2001, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the new Mancos Fire Station, 41595
U.S. Highway 160 (just east of P&D Grocery). Enjoy free hot dogs
and sodas!
- Tour the new Mancos Fire Station.
- Look at engines and other firefighting equipment and meet
local firefighters.
- Find out how to FireWise your home and property from the
Colorado State Forest Service.
Sponsored by the Mancos Fire Protection District, Colorado State
Forest Service, and Fire Ready - wildfire prevention
contractors.
For more information, call Fire Ready at
970-533-7078.
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Fire Ready Expands to
Pagosa
Fire Ready press release, May 17,
2002
Fire Ready is a unique forest landscaping business that
helps residents of the Four Corners reduce their risk to wildfire.
Thousands of our residents and homes are directly in the path of
wildfire. New forested subdivisions, a growing population in rural
areas, the drought of 2002, a build-up of vegetation, limited
firefighting capabilities during a major wildfire event - this
combination can spell disaster. The most important person in saving
a home from wildfire is the property owner, not the firefighter. The
actions taken before the fire comes are critical.
Fire Ready's low impact techniques maintain natural beauty and
privacy screening while creating a wildfire resistant landscape. In
addition to tree thinning, hazard tree removal, and chipping
services - we have added tree climbing and limbing, as well as grant
writing for subdivisions to help defray the cost of mitigation.
To keep up with the public demand for safer forests, we are
running two crews in the Durango Cortez area and opening a branch
office in Pagosa Springs. Pagosa Springs owners Dan and Sheri
MacVeigh are excited about becoming a part of the Pagosa Springs
community and providing this vital public service. "We want to do
what we can to help property owners minimize the threat of
wildfire," says Sheri MacVeigh. The MacVeigh's have lived near
Mancos for the past five years. Dan has worked with Deer Hill
Expeditions and Partners - two organizations that use nature to
inspire students. Sheri is involved with a variety of mental health
services. Dan believes that, "Our enthusiasm for the outdoors and
desire to help communities make this a great fit."
Visit us on-line for more information on reducing your risk,
links to local fire news, information on fire-resistant products,
take a virtual tour of a wildfire, and more. www.fireready.com Call
today to schedule your free estimate. Pagosa Springs area -
970-759-9380 or click here to e-mail; Durango/Cortez/Telluride area
- 970-533-7078 or click here to e-mail
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