The Orcas Highlands neighborhood participated in its annual Firewise work day on June 9.

Under the leadership of National Firewise expert and Neighborhood Association President Judith Leraas Cook and the help of contractor Bob Berdan and his crew, neighbors came together, rolled up their sleeves, fired up their chain saws and weed trimmers, and marshaled a fleet of neighborhood pick-up trucks to clear their homes of vegetation that could contribute to the spread of fire.

The Orcas Highlands Association, a community of around 100 homes, has been a Firewise Communities/USA site for seven years.  The key to success of the Highland’s Firewise program has been the strong neighborhood involvement, said fire chief Kevin O’brien.

“The highlight of the day was the community potluck where neighbors came together to celebrate their hard work,” he said.

For more information regarding Firewise, contact O’Brien at kobrien@orcasfire.org or Division Chief Val Harris at orcasfireval@live.com.