The Forest Protection Division’s “Defensible Space Chipping Program” had two successful brush chipping days last week in York County. These events are required for the communities to maintain their annual “Firewise Community USA” status. A total of 14.5 tons of chips were created from trees and brush near homes, which reduces the risk of a wildfire within the home ignition zone significantly. Most of the chips will be reutilized as mulch for ditching operations in the Lake Arrowhead Community of North Waterboro, which has been a Firewise Community USA since 2008. The Pequawket Lake Preservation Association in Limington completed their second brush chipping day during 2012 and is scheduled to become Maine’s 5th Firewise Community USA in early 2013.