Barnegat Only NJ Winner Of Wildfire Preparedness Grant

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat is one of 100 communities from across the country to win a $500 2022 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day grant, and the only New Jersey winner.

The funding comes from State Farm and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) helps people who live in wildfire-prone areas come together and complete projects that help make themselves, their homes and communities safer from wildfires.

Barnegat recently became a Firewise USA community, which is a group of residents who work to reduce wildfire risks. Their programs will specifically support Heritage Bay, a 55+ active adult community.

“The biggest thing right now is getting the residents on board with our plans since we are just starting to get the word out,” says Debbie Wilson, the project coordinator. “We are organizing clean-up efforts on April 23 and 24. We will hand out leaf bags to residents, along with our 'clean-up work form' which, when returned, will be entered in a drawing.”

Prizes include fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and gift certificates to local restaurants. These items were purchased with the grant funding.

Throughout the country, there are many ways to reduce the risk of wildfire, such as removing dry leaves and pine needles from yards, roofs and gutters, and boxing-in areas below decks to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

Wilson’s group is also collaborating with the local fire marshal, Barnegat Police Department and Boys & Girls Scouts. The team is establishing a community evacuation plan and “block captains” to help emergency services in the event of a wildfire in the area. Block captains can alert police if residents are on vacation, have pets in the home and more.

“People are just starting to emerge from Covid and winter,” Wilson said. “I believe education is the first and most important step.”

Visit the NFPA site for the full list of grant winners throughout the United States.