Firewise

Long Branch Lakes is a certified Firewise USA® community — a national recognition earned in 2013 for our commitment to wildfire preparedness and fire-safe living on the Cumberland Plateau.

🔥 Our Firewise Story

In the summer of 2012, Long Branch Lakes residents met with Leon Konz, the area Firewise USA representative, to learn about the Firewise program. Shortly after, our Firewise Committee was formed with a clear mission: address the high woodland fire hazard risks in our community and the surrounding area.

The committee developed an action plan that included completion of home assessments, development of a Firewise reference library (located in the General Store), and placement of reflective home number signs throughout the community. On June 12, 2013, Long Branch Lakes earned national Firewise USA status from the National Fire Protection Association — a certification we’ve maintained ever since.

📋 Key Responsibilities

• Maintain our Firewise USA® national certification
• Coordinate annual wildfire preparedness events and education
• Conduct and promote home wildfire risk assessments
• Manage community fire safety equipment (available to all residents)
• Provide guidance on burn permits and fire-safe landscaping
• Maintain the Firewise reference library at the General Store

🛠️ Community Equipment Available

The Firewise Committee maintains a shared equipment shed stocked with tools available to all LBL residents. Equipment includes chainsaws (18″, 20″, 24″ Stihl), string trimmers, brush cutters, backpack blowers, a wood chipper, log splitter, leaf vacuum, field/brush mower, dump trailer, generator, and full safety gear.

Equipment Checkout Rules

• Equipment is for use only within Long Branch Lakes by LBL residents
• Contact any Firewise Committee member to check availability
• Sign-out book is located at the equipment shed
• Each tool may be held for two (2) weeks, then must be returned or renewed (waitlist names take priority)
• Equipment must be returned in clean, usable condition — residents are responsible for fuel and any repair costs for damaged equipment

🌐 Resources

Learn more about wildfire preparedness and fire-safe landscaping at Firewise USA (NFPA).