Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council

Celebrating Women's History Month by

Honoring Women in the Fire Service

Carrye B. Brown was the first woman and African American appointed as U.S. fire administrator. Current U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell became the second woman to serve when she was appointed on Oct. 25, 2021.

Video credit: WUSA

Help us encourage more women in the Fire Service...

From Ventura County Fire Department

"The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) Girls’ Fire Camp is a FREE two-day experience designed to engage young women, ages 14 to 18, and share what it’s like to be a firefighter through fun, hands-on activities. Open to all genders. Space is limited to 30 FIRST-TIME Campers."

Learn More about the Program Here

Announcements

Introducing our new VRFSC Executive Director Stephen Watson

We are happy to announce that the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council has a new Executive Director! Stephen Watson is stepping into the role after having worked at VRFSC as the Director of Operations and we are so excited to see him grow in this new role.

A message from Stephen Watson:

"Wildfires are inevitable in California. Unfortunately, many Ventura County residents have experienced first-hand the devastation and pain that can accompany a large wildfire. Our Fire Safe Council has a responsibility to prepare and protect our treasured communities from future calamities. I am both humbled and honored to be appointed as the next Executive Director for the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council. I feel fortunate to be part of an organization with such a dedicated Board of Directors and a staff that is passionate, hard working, and incredibly mission driven.

VRFSC has grown tremendously over the years. I want to take a brief moment to thank all of those who helped us get to where we are today; from the founding members of our Fire Safe Council, to all of our like-minded partners, funders, and generous donors who believe in our mission.

I look forward to serving Ventura County in a way that will allow VRFSC to have a long lasting and meaningful impact. I encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, thoughts, and potential partnerships. Thank you."

Stephen is available via his email stephen@venturafiresafe.org.

The Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative is proud to present you an exciting event this Fall:

We are applying to

CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grant

VRFSC is excited to be submitting two applications for this year's Wildfire Prevention Grant cycle through CalFire. In partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, VRFSC is hoping to expand our impact throughout Ventura County in the fields of education, fuels mitigation, and building FireWise communities. As a member of the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative, VRFSC will be applying for funding to continue our important work home hardening. Feel free to speak with a staff member to learn more about our projects!

Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association partners with VRFSC and Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

VENTURA COUNTY PRESCRIBED BURN ASSOCIATION

The Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (VCPBA) is gearing up to move forward on a project to conduct two prescribed burns along the Ventura River Watershed, in partnership with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, and the historic Nye Ranch. The objectives of these burns will be the ecological restoration of native oak-woodland and sage scrub species to land previously type converted for the use of cattle ranching.

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, in partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension will be conducting research on the efficacy of the use of prescribed fire to control invasive star thistle, and Eurasian grasses. A restoration reseeding effort will be taking place following the burns in an effort to positively impact the lands seed banks in favor of native species. The Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is excited to partner with the VCPBA to host and facilitate a community engagement event to educate residents on how the project is being carried out, and how we are partnering with the Ventura County Fire Department to help achieve the goals of these private land stewards.

If you have a specific landscape project that you believe prescribed fire is the best way of achieving the biological objectives, and would like to coordinate a site visit with the VCPBA, please reach out to: jamie.whiteford@vcrcd.org