Become a WRAP Volunteer!
Seeking New Recruits for Ashland's Volunteer Wildfire Risk Assessment Program (WRAP)
to encourage wildfire risk reduction actions on private property. Our WRAP
Volunteers are an invaluable asset in our community engagement efforts for
creating a more Fire Adapted Ashland.
WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!
2023 Class begins March 8th!
2023 Class begins March 8th!
Successive years of unprecedented wildfires in the West, including the 2020 Almeda Fire in Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix, elevated our awareness of wildfire risk.
The good news is we can do something about it. In the past decade we have learned how to reduce wildfire risk in suburban and urban areas based on extensive research on how homes ignite and burn during extreme wildfires. Ashland’s Wildfire Risk Assessment Program, in partnership with Ashland Fire & Rescue and Fire Adapted Ashland, helps residents identify how to reduce wildfire risk at home.
The first cohort of WRAP volunteers graduated in September 2021, vastly increasing the City’s capacity to advise residents one-on-one. The program has proven so popular that we need more volunteers!
If you want to get involved with reducing wildfire risk in Ashland, this is your chance! The ideal candidate is a “people person” who is passionate about helping Ashland become fire resilient. If this sounds like a good fit for you, please review our volunteer expectations and apply now to be a part of the Ashland Wildfire Risk Assessment Program!
No background or experience is required. Training is accomplished by a combination of in-person classes, study materials, field trips, and mentored field assignments. Training is scheduled to begin with Orientation on Wednesday, March 8th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Graduates should be certified by the end of April 2023.
Training Dates & Times:
-
March 8th, Wednesday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Orientation @ LMP (Lithia Motors Pavilion)
-
March 11th, Saturday, 9:00 am - Noon - Class 1 @ LMP
-
March 18th, Saturday, 9:00 am - Noon - Class 2 @ LMP
-
March 25th, Saturday, 9:00 am - Noon - Class 3 @ LMP
-
April 1st, Saturday, 9:00 am - Noon - Class 4 @ LMP
-
Noon - 1:00 pm Class Lunch at the Hawk (Free)
-
1:15 pm ~ 3:45 pm Optional Field Trip with Wildfire Div. Chief Chris Chambers
-
April 8th, Saturday, 9:00 am - Noon - Class 5 @ LMP
-
April 15th, Saturday, 9:00 am - Noon - Class 6 @ In-the-Field (location in Ashland, TBD)
Mentored Field Practicums with certified Trainers will be scheduled on an individual basis in April and May (some could be scheduled in June, depending on class size and student availability).
Together, we CAN reduce the wildfire risk in Ashland, and you can play a vital role in that effort! Apply today!
Volunteer Expectations for Ashland's Wildfire Risk Assessors
- Minimum Time Commitment
- 32-40 hrs initial training; 2-hr team meeting every other month; and 2 assessments/month.
- Required Training
- 6 weekly classes ranging from 1.5-3 hrs long; 7-hrs self-study; and refresher training.
- Required Field Training (Mentoring)
- Successfully complete a WRA task book to demonstrate competency in performing risk assessments before being certified to work independently.
- Physical Fitness Level
- The WRA must be physically able to attend training sessions, and walk uphill, downhill, and on uneven terrain. Adjustments to the physical requirements may be considered to ensure the volunteer will be successful.
- Requirements
- Background check performed by the City of Ashland before training begins.
- Sign a liability waiver.
- Reliable personal transportation to and from assigned risk assessment locations.
- Reliable internet access and a digital device to enter data (device may be loaned).
- Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (after completion of training)
- Competent in performing wildfire risk assessments on a broad array of site conditions.
- Seeks out and collaboratively clarifies work expectations.
- Provides subject matter expertise in the home ignition zone and home hardening principles, hazard fuels reduction, fire-resistant landscaping, basic wildfire behavior principles, and relevant codes and ordinances.
- Follows established protocols and seeks out assistance for complex or unusual situations.
- Practices situational awareness and follows established safe work practices.
- Solicits information and listens to property owners’/ legal residents’ concerns before advising them on risks.
- Develops effective relationships with property owners and other legal residents and serves as their point of contact after the assessment report is delivered.
- Advises and strives to motivate property owners and legal residents using appropriate communication techniques and interpersonal skills.
- Provides information in a manner that balances individual judgment with realistic opportunities to address barriers to action.
- Advocates for risk reduction in a manner that addresses specific vulnerabilities.
- Documents findings using customized software and forms within prescribed timeframes.
- Performs follow-up inspections confirming completion of work and condition status.
- Monitors and documents risk reduction accomplishments on assigned properties.
- Ability to contribute constructively to a team-run volunteer organization.
Apply now to be a volunteer for the Wildfire Risk Assessment Program!
| 2023_WRA_RECRUITMENT_BULLETIN.PDF (295kb)
WRAP Volunteer Job Description and Announcement
|
©2023 - Fire Adapted Ashland - All Rights Reserved | Site Handcrafted in Ashland, Oregon by Project A
Quicklinks
Connect
Share
