Firewise of Southwest Colorado and Judy Winzell of the Falls Creek Ranch subdivision have won national recognition for their work in wildfire preparedness and mitigation.

Firewise won a Wildfire Mitigation Innovation Award in recognition of work to reduce wildfire hazards in the community.

Winzell received a Community Wildfire Preparedness Pioneer Award for her work in getting neighbors engaged in their fire department.

The recipients will be recognized at a ceremony March 24 at the Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, starting at 4:30 p.m. They also will be honored at the International Association of Fire Chiefs conference in Reno, Nevada, on March 25.

daler@durangoherald.com