Fire Protective Agengies are being formed around the state at the encouragement of the Department of Forestry. These agencies provide preventative work and education to local residents on fire prevention. There is some urgency in setting one of these up for the Santa Cruz area after the fires in the dry season last year. It is noted that a lot of forest burned but the area was lucky that few houses were lots. Funds are available at the state level to help local communities get started.