The USDA Forest Service is participating in a pilot program in the West to deliver wildland fire and safety information to the public via TV weather forecasts. In late October, the service distributed electronic media updates to TV weathercasters, providing material the media could use directly on the air and on their station's Web sites to keep audiences informed about wildfires, how to prevent them and how to protect their homes.

Designed to act as a resource for weathercasters, Envirocast began as a method to educate television audiences about watersheds and the environment during weather forecasts. It's a cooperative initiative of the Forest Service, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, and StormCenter Communications.

The first issue of Envirocast Forest and Wildland Fires 2003 was sent in late August to western U.S. media outlets. The Oct. 28 issue contained active maps, images and information about the fires that swept through Southern California collected from the Forest Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA and the EPA.

“Dear Television Weathercaster,” it began. “This fourth issue of Envirocast Forest and Wildland Fires 2003 looks at the clear and present danger that forest and wildland fires pose for our western states and how this danger translates into a human component (our physical and economic well-being). We had hoped that by providing information, such as the fact that nearly six in 10 San Diego County homes are at high risk from these types of fires, would make your viewers sit up and take notice. Now, faced with the realization of this risk, there should be even more interest!”

The issue provides meteorologists with an “On-Air Message Center,” tips they can pass on to viewers to protect their homes, forest fire facts, useful links for keeping up to date with fire risk, upcoming events and tips for capitalizing on the information provided in the newsletter.

For more information, visit www.stormcenter.com/envirocast/fire/archive or send an e-mail to envirocast@stormcenter.com.