Ouachita County
FireWise Boards
"Ouachita County is nestled in the pine covered hills on the neck of the Ouachita (Wash-ah-tah) River. The roads of the county are lined with antebellum homes and historic landmarks that but scratch the surface of rugged heritage enriched by Indian folklore and the glories and heartbreak of Civil War. But the soul of the area's historic legacy lies not in its heroic mystique but a do-or-die pioneer work ethic that has put this county on the industrial map. A heart rooted not only in the richness of its past or the promise of its future, but in it people themselves and the land they share. The land itself, quilted with hardwoods and pine, is a natural habitat for an abundance of wildlife. The Ouachita River, lakes and streams that stitch the land together are filled with black bass, crappie, catfish and palm-sized bream. A historic past, a progressive present and a promising future characterize the county. After you visit Ouachita County, you will see why such companies as International Paper, Atlantic Research, Hughes, Lockheed Martin Vought and Olin Ordinance have made the county their home." Source: Liberty Marketing Co.
On October 5, 2006, an Introduction to the Firewise Communities/USA process was presented to fire departments represented at the monthly meeting of the Ouachita County Fire Chief's Association. Attending the presentation were James Green, Stephens VFD Fire Chief; Barbara Cranford, Stephens VFD; Oeri West, Stephens VFD; Michael Skinner, Louann VFD Fire Chief; B.J. Harmon, Louann Assistant Fire Chief, Association President; Marion Hooks, Buena Vista VFD Assistant Fire Chief; Homer Huneycutt, Buena Vista VFD Driver; Skeet Davis, Buena Vista VFD Safety Officer; Ann Adams, Buena Vista VFD; Boyce King, Buena Vista VFD; Tressie King, Buena Vista VFD; Marshal Estridge, Elliott-Bethesda VFD Fire Chief; Jerry Jeffus, Elliott-Bethesda VFD Assistant Fire Chief; Larry Jeffus, Elliott-Bethesda VFD; Powell Greening, Two Bayou VFD Fire Chief; William Welch, Standard Umsted VFD Fire Chief; Rae Fawver, Standard Umsted VFD; Tony Perkins, Arkansas Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association President; Jackie Williams, AFC County Ranger, and David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator.
Although six fire departments were unable to attend, they will be advised of the funding and recognition opportunities offered through the Arkansas FireWise program, and were invited to attend the risk assessment training at 7 p.m., November 16, at the Elliott-Bethesda Fire Station.
The Risk Assessment Training for seven Ouachita County Fire Departments was conducted at the Elliott Fire Station on Nov. 16, 20006. Attending were Marshal Estridge, Elliott-Bethesda VFD Fire Chief; Jonathon Estridge, Elliott-Bethesda VFD Assistant Fire Chief; Kenneth Burton, Elliott-Bethesda VFD Assistant Fire Chief; Helen Burton, Elliott-Bethesda VFD; Jeff Jones, Elliott-Bethesda VFD; Kurt Johnson, Elliott-Bethesda VFD; Eddie Pickett, Elliott-Bethesda VFD; Kevin Burton, Elliott-Bethesda VFD; Robert Pelt, Ouachita Fire District #1 Fire Chief; Gary Pennington, Ouachita Fire District #1 Assistant Fire Chief; James Green, Stephens VFD Fire Chief; Teri West, Ouachita County Firefighters Association Secretary; Johnny Jones, Louann VFD; James Bolton, Bearden VFD Fire Chief; Jimmy Davis, Bearden VFD Assistant Fire Chief, and Belinda Riggs, Frenchport VFD.
Providing the training was David Samuel, FireWise coordinator for the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
Prior to both meetings, photos were taken of four communities in the county to be shown during the presentation (photos below).
Buena Vista
Elliott-Bethesda
Prior to the risk assessment training David Samuel took photos and noted the community "appears to be one of the highest 'at-risk' communities he has visited in Ouachita County." The entire community is circled with pine sawtimber stands especially on the west side of town along the Ouachita Road #53.
"In addition, the 'Southwood' subdivision on the north side of Elliott has at least ten homes at 'extreme risk'," said Samuel.
Frenchport
Louann
Stephens