Christie Wiley, CWPP Coordinator, kicked things off with an introduction and the background of CWPP and how it will directly affect our geographic area, as well as presenting a video of the CBS 60 Minutes story about the Paradise, California wildfire. This sad story of wildfire destruction was a fantastic “attention-getter”!

The three-dimensional “wildfire simulation table” was a big hit with residents. The 3D Simtable uses geographic data and various colorful and interactive features to project customized landscapes onto a giant sandbox — creating realistic scenarios based on terrain, weather, and existing infrastructure. Heather Gonzales, with the Texas Forest Service, demonstrated a fire starting in Cordillera Ranch - integrating different variables, including terrains, wind, fire breaks, and other factors. It was an eye-opening visual aid for residents to see what could happen in a place so close to home.

We will continue working with residents, businesses, Kendall County officials, and all of our CWPP partners to further promote and integrate Firewise safe communities within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), the Bergheim VFD response area, and all Kendall County areas. The Wildland Urban Interface is where human development meets undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.

Implementing the CWPP requires the experts to work with residents and County Officials to prioritize projects and create area-specific plans, including a public education campaign, shaded fuel breaks, and escape routes. The CWPP will further wildfire preparedness initiatives throughout the county and support residents seeking resources to better prepare for wildfire.

Thank you to Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk for spearheading the CWPP initiative; The CWPP Team - Christie Wiley- Project Manager, Doug Meckel - Project Coordinator, CWPP Core Team Members - Bob Webster VP-BOD for Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation, Mike Lloyd, TPWD, and Chief Rhea Cooper; Heather Gonzales, Texas A&M Forest Service 3D Sim presenter Texas A&M Forest Service; and Meteorologist Joe Decarlo Joe DeCarlo WX for attending and featuring the initiative in SA News4 San Antonio https://news4sanantonio.com/.../wildfire-prevention... The Boerne Star Managing Editor Zachary Taylor-Wright and Boerne Radio 103.9FM Baron Wiley for event promotion. 

Ms. Wiley told San Antonio News 4 Meteorologist Joe Decarlo during her interview today. "If we save one life, if we save one firefighter’s life, if we save a property, then the plan is worth its weight in gold.”

If you are interested in receiving news & updates about the CWPP and the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department, sign up at the https://www.bergheimvfd.org/contact-info

Those who attended the event and provided an email will be added to the listing. 

Just so you know – resource materials will be added to the website shortly, along with Bonus Material - So check back with us at https://www.bergheimvfd.org/