As we step into a new year, the Amador Fire Safe Council would like to commend the folks of Amador County for a job well done. No major fires occurred in the county, although we were confronted with a number of smaller fires. We ask that you keep up on your defensible space work around your homes. AFSC still has funding available for low income seniors and disabled full time residents. At no charge to the residents, we will work in the defensible space around the home.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to those who donated to the Mt. Zion lookout tower fund, especially Ted Novelli, Brian Oneto, Foothill Conservancy, Bill Bunce of Gold Rush Resorts and the Jackson Rancheria. Earlier this year, Rich Hoffman of the Rancheria extended an offer of matching funds to keep the lookout tower staffed during the fire season. At the end of the season, AFSC had raised $9,983.64. With the matching funds from Jackson Rancheria, we were able to contribute $19,967.28 toward staffing the lookout tower during 2007.
Several years ago, the state decided not to pay for regular staffing of the lookout towers and Amador Fire Safe Council stepped forward and began raising funds for this vital community service. The cost for lookout tower staffing for the fire season generally runs about $38,000. We will be continuing in our fund-raising efforts for the 2008 fire season at events such as Amadoropoly, and hope that the Rancheria and other local businesses will step up to the plate and join us in this critical public safety service.