P. J. Pearson, retired U. S. Forest Service manager, will speak to the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas on “Wildfire Danger in the Hill Country and Protection Efforts in Place” on August 26 at the Gillespie County Historical Society Building, 312 W. San Antonio Street in Fredericksburg, beginning at 7:00PM. As recent periods of drought and high wind have severely increased the dangers of wildfires striking the Hill Country, this program is intended to help area residents to be better prepared to protect their homes and property when a fire does happen.

Pearson attended Stephen F. Austin University and spent 33 years working for the United States Forest Service in fire and aviation management. For the past nine years Pearson has served on the Urban Wildland Interface team for the state of Texas Forest Service. He is directly responsible for the National Firewise program which informs the public on how to create defensible space around their homes, preparing for wildland fires and taking mitigation actions to help the homeowners avoid loss of property related to the fires.

Pearson will explain the precautions that are in place by having large water carrying helicopters stationed at area airports to provide early strike operations against wildfires.

Pearson will share his experience and answer questions on all subjects related to wildfire occurrence and protection.

This free program is open to the public. For more information about the program or the Native Plant Society of Texas, please call Stephanie Sutton at 830-990-2942.