Memo from Pam Darland, Committee Chair
The goal of this project is to create an environment where our homes could survive a fire in our neighborhood despite the beautiful forest environment and to work together to create that safe environment. Trace Richard, Community Risk Reduction Specialist with South Kitsap Fire & Rescue, is available to lead our community to reach this goal.
To date, the HOA has worked with Trace to deliver:
- a Zoom meeting introduction on the program
- a recorded message for viewing the introduction to the program
- a presentation at our annual HOA membership meeting
- a multi-page evaluation characterizing home construction and attachments
Trace has also proactively noted percentage of homes with combustible vegetation within 5 feet of homes and with ladder fuels under trees, reviewed the open spaces like our park and other HOA property, and created a 3- year plan for Strawberry Hill to be recognized as a Firewise USA community.
To continue with this voluntary program, we’re counting on 10 homes to request Trace to
do a closer assessment of the “Home Zone,” which includes the exterior structure of your home and attachments to it (decks, patios, fences etc.) and area the five foot surrounding of that Home Zone. This assessment takes less than 30 minutes. The advice Trace gives you is not a requirement and is offered as what you might do to increase your safety.
To date, we have 3 homes complete with 2 more scheduled – so we are halfway there!
Please contact Trace directly to set up an assessment time at:
(360) 801-3982 (cell)
(360) 895-6512 (office)
For any other questions, you can contact me directly. My role is to collect and report data on our progress, provide information to the homeowners, advocate for the program’s benefits, and liaise with Trace. Thank you.
Pam Darland
(253) 720-8419 (home)
Strawberry Hill HOA 