Klobuchar announces more than $1M to defend against wildfires in St. Louis County

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today announced that St. Louis County will receive more than $1.17 million to retrofit up to 126 residential and business structures with wildfire water-hydration systems to create defensible space as part of the “Firewise” fire protection program.

“This important investment will help protect homes and families from wild fires in St. Louis County,” said Klobuchar. “I believe the first responsibility of a government is to protect its citizens and this funding helps accomplish that by ensuring that families in Minnesota are able to participate in the Firewise program more fully.”

Residents and business owners have observed the benefits of the wildfire water-hydration systems systems in northern Minnesota during recent wildfire seasons. Following the Ham Lake Fire in 2007, Klobuchar met with those affected by the fire and saw the success of the system which protected 60 structures within the wildfire area.

The Firewise program is a comprehensive wildfire safety program that includes not only the hydration systems but also the removal of trees which are close to homes, removal of downed trees which provide fuel for wild fires, as well as providing safe routes into and out of properties so fire teams can more safely access fires, among other measures.

The $1,171,500 Hazard Mitigation Grant was awarded by Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency.

~Information courtesy Sen. Klobuchar’s office