In southern Guam, where farmland and dry brush often meet, fire can spread quickly, threatening homes, crops, and livelihoods.

To address that risk, the Guam Department of Agriculture and the Guam Fire Department are hosting a firewise workshop on April 8 at the Inalahan Mayor’s Office, focused on education, resources, and prevention.

“Guam firewise is a nationally recognized program, it puts Guam on the map for showing that there are true wildfire concerns on island, firewise is an initiative to give power, access, and options to the local community…to address and mitigate those challenges,” said Christine Camacho Fejeran, DOAG Forestry & Soil Resources Division Chief.

The initiative focuses on empowering farmers, giving them the tools and knowledge to protect their land and reduce fire risk.

“It’s about education…of the farmers and other landowners…to ensure they understand the program and what’s being implemented for their farm…to protect our soils from further damage and erosion,” added Michael Aguon, Chair of the Southern Guam Water & Soil Conservation District.

For the Guam Fire Department, prevention is just as important as response.

“Our role is to educate…we do have an open burn permit policy…these permits can be obtained at your local fire stations free of charge…it’s a mechanism to reduce wildfires,” said Ronnie Chiguina, Assistant Fire Chief.

The workshop will also cover updated burn permits, agricultural burn services, and support for bonafide farmers.

And organizers say, it’s also a chance to connect.

“We’re promoting responsible use of fire…we’ll be discussing the agricultural burn permit…all the details that come with that…and especially the bonafide farmer program…there will be a lot of partners there—a lot to discuss,” said Christine Camacho

A community effort, to keep tradition alive, while keeping Guam safe.