Washingtonians are recognizing the growing threat of wildfire. In 2016, Washington led the nation in the number of neighborhoods joining the Firewise Communities USA Program with 32 communities making new commitments.
New Firewise communities in 2017 include Redmond’s Trilogy community and Hyak at Snoqualmie Pass. Grant recipients include the city of Seattle’s Stellerwood community.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with numerous conservation districts, local fire districts and county agencies to encourage neighbors to work together, often through Firewise, to prepare for the possibility of a wildfire.
Washington now has 142 active Firewise Communities. While this ranks the state third in the nation, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz who oversees DNR — Washington’s largest wildland firefighting agency — says that many more communities need to join them.
“Firewise Communities are building momentum and setting examples,” says Franz. “Ultimately, we want Washington to be the most wildfire-prepared state in the nation. Here at DNR, we intend to continue providing the help and support that our residents need to get there.”
In January, the DNR announced 21 communities that will get funds for fuel mitigation work to prepare for the fast-approaching 2017 fire season. Some of these communities are already Firewise-recognized, others are just getting started.
Each recipient is contributing their own labor and equipment to match the $1,000 to $15,000 DNR fuel mitigation grants. The funding to support these efforts came from the 2016 State Legislature.
This legislative season, DNR is asking for $12.4 million to perform forest health work such as the thinning and fuel reduction efforts these communities are undertaking. A part of this funding request would include the creation of 80 more Firewise Communities across Washington.
The NFPA’s Firewise Communities Program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent loss. For more Firewise information, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/firewise.
