Y'all rock, did you know that?

The numbers aren't official yet, but the Firewise Communities/USA recognition program welcomed more than 140 new neighborhoods during 2008, nearly doubling the number of participating communities from 2007. Our annual report will come out in February with all the juicy details, including the eye-popping dollar figures of your local investment in wildfire safety work.

What's been even better, from my point of view, has been the excellent retention rate of existing communities. Ninety percent of all communities with recognition status in 2006 renewed it in 2007, and it looks like we might get there again this year. Your dedication to ongoing community Firewise action has truly helped keep your neighbors engaged and focused on wildfire safety.

I'm really proud of all the great work and activity throughout the nation. I'm especially proud today of the states that have attained 100% retention of community participation - meaning as of this morning, all their communities active in 2007 have renewed for 2008. They are:

Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Success in the program is more than just numbers, as you know. It's your time, your effort, your willingness to join with your neighbors to make your community a safer place. I wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year and I look forward to 2009 as the best yet for Firewise.