GLOUCESTER, MA – The City of Gloucester is continuing implementation of its Community Wildfire Protection Plan through a new wildfire mitigation initiative led collaboratively by the Gloucester Fire Department and Department of Public Works.
The City recently received a $45,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to support five to six days of mechanical wildfire mitigation assistance focused on improving fire access roads throughout Gloucester.
Beginning Tuesday, May 26, the Gloucester Fire Department and DPW partnered with Mayer Tree Service to clear dead and dried vegetation, remove overgrowth encroaching on access roads, and improve accessibility for emergency response vehicles in areas identified as posing an extreme wildfire risk. This work is designed to ensure that fire apparatus can safely and efficiently access wooded and remote areas in the event of a wildfire emergency.
“These improvements are a critical step in reducing wildfire risk and strengthening emergency access throughout our community,” said Fire Chief Eric Smith. “By proactively addressing hazardous vegetation and improving fire access roads, we are helping protect residents, neighborhoods, and natural resources.”
The project is the first step in directly supporting the goals outlined in Gloucester’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which identifies strategies to reduce wildfire hazards, improve preparedness, and strengthen community resilience. The work is limited due to funding, so the City is actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to continue the process as well as other strategies from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Residents may notice temporary work activity in targeted areas during the mitigation period. The City appreciates the public’s cooperation as crews complete this important safety work.
More information about Gloucester’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan is available at: City of Gloucester Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester
Good Morning Gloucester 