Wildfire Ready Neighbors Program Expands to Spokane Valley
News Date:
March 19, 2024
The free program connects neighbors with resources for wildfire season, including local experts and custom home-hardening plans.
On Tuesday, March 19, representatives from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources joined Spokane Valley Fire and Spokane County Fire District No. 8 for a Wildfire Ready Neighbors kick-off event to raise awareness about preparing for wildfire.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started Wildfire Ready Neighbors in 2021 in an effort provides access to local experts and free resources to help residents and property owners learn how to reduce fire risk through simple actions such as removing flammable brush, cleaning roofs and gutters and creating defensible space.
“Last year’s tragic Gray and Oregon fires in Spokane County are a wakeup call that wildfires can and will impact urban and suburban areas. That’s why the Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with fire districts, community partners and residents, are bringing Wildfire Ready Neighbors to Spokane Valley,” said Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz. “I launched Wildfire Ready Neighbors because we all have to be ready for wildfire. This is a free, boots-on-the-ground program that helps protect communities and property.”
The program is available to all Washington residents and has launched in 11 counties to date: Chelan, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Yakima, Kittitas, Thurston, Klickitat, Mason, and Pierce. Staff and experts from DNR and partner organizations have worked with 5,000 Washington residents to complete 30,000 preparedness actions since 2021.
Many participants use the information and connections they receive via the program to harden their homes and complete forest health treatments on their properties. Some of the most common steps to harden homes against the impacts of wildfire include installing screen vents to block embers and using fire-resistant building materials.
“Wildfire Ready Neighbors gives local fire officials more resources to equip their community members with the tools they need to join the team and become better prepared for wildfire,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department’s Deputy Chief of Prevention, Brett Anderson. “Everyone wins when we’re all ready for wildfire. We’re your neighbors, too. We want to help.”
“Wildfire Ready Neighbors is proving that we are stronger in Spokane County when we work together,” said Spokane County Fire District No. 8 Division Chief, Marty Long. “The actions residents are taking through this initiative are meaningful improvements. When every individual in a neighborhood takes these steps, actions add up to create a neighborhood that’s more protected from wildfires.”
Media members interested in footage and images from the press conference can find them here as they become available
To learn more, visit https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/.
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