Washington Hunter
Well-known member
Kind of ridiculous they have to dedicate a week to just about everything (or a day.) 
But, I thought this might be of interest to some.
NEWS RELEASE
May 5, 2005
Contact: Janet Pearce, 360-902-1122
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/fire/index.html
May 9-15 is Wildfire Awareness Week
Are you prepared?
OLYMPIA - The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is promoting Wildfire Awareness Week May 9-15, encouraging everyone to take steps to protect their homes from catastrophic wildfire.
Wildfires occur on both sides of the state. From January through March of this year, firefighters have already responded to 32 wildfires on the west side of the state and 15 on the east side. On average, firefighters respond to 800 wildfires across the state every year.
“We need to increase people’s awareness of wildfire prevention. Our focus this year is on teaching homeowners how they can protect themselves, their families and their property,” said Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland. “That’s why the theme for this year’s Wildfire Awareness Week is: When Yard Work Works for You.”
Several western states and Canadian provinces are promoting wildfire awareness, too--important because fire does not respect political boundaries. Homeowners can take steps to protect their own property and also help prevent fires from starting and spreading.
“Create a safety zone to separate homes from combustible plants and vegetation, and pay close attention to sheds and fencing, which also can be flammable. Make your yard ‘fire smart’ by preparing for, not just reacting to, fire,” said Gary Reid, Calgary Canada’s Community Safety Officer.
Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires caused by people. Washington State Fire Marshal Samuel Pierre reminds the public that “flying embers from these fires can travel a mile or more away from their origination point. Before you burn, consider alternative methods such as chipping.”
Vehicles are another significant source for igniting wildfires. Vehicles with catalytic converters or poorly maintained vehicles emitting sparks can ignite the grass and vegetation when pulling off the pavement onto the shoulder of a road, driveway or yard.
Tips for homeowners
In regards to wildfire, homeowners need to think of defensible space when it comes to their homes’ construction and landscape.
Construction:
- Use fire-resistant roof materials.
- Decking, fences, sheds - use fire-resistant materials. Look out for neighbors as well. Your shed may be next to a fence that connects to a neighbor’s home.
Landscaping:
- Maintenance is important. Keep your lawn mowed and green.
- Use fire-resistant varieties for the vegetation surrounding or closest to your home. While all vegetation will burn with a hot enough flame, plants that retain their moisture content tend to be less susceptible to flames passing through. Some examples would be rhododendrons, mock orange, alder, kinnikinnick, etc.
- Remove tree branches overhanging the roof or reaching close to your home. Trim trees at least 11 feet up from the ground.
- Eliminate beauty bark. It can smolder and ignite the vegetation above it. Consider using rock or gravel instead.
- Walkways made of concrete, gravel, stone or similar materials create a great firebreak.
- Water features such as ponds, waterfalls, or in-ground pools also act as a firebreak.
For more ideas on how to make your home and landscape more resistant to wildfire, go to www.firewise.org. DNR also encourages homeowners to consult local nurseries and landscape professionals for advice on plant selection and placement. For group presentations, contact the local State Farm Insurance agent or Department of Natural Resource office for a copy of the video, Naturally Beautiful Fire Resistant Greenbelt Landscaping and the accompanying brochure, When Yard Work Works For You.
DNR’s wildfire mission
DNR, administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland, is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12 million acres of private and state-owned forestland. DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department with hundreds of people trained and available to be dispatched to fires as needed. During fire season, this includes several hundred DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency, about 250 seasonal workers, and about 450 Department of Correction inmates who participate in the Washington Work Camps Program. DNR also participates in Washington’s new interagency approach to firefighting.
But, I thought this might be of interest to some.NEWS RELEASE
May 5, 2005
Contact: Janet Pearce, 360-902-1122
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/fire/index.html
May 9-15 is Wildfire Awareness Week
Are you prepared?
OLYMPIA - The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is promoting Wildfire Awareness Week May 9-15, encouraging everyone to take steps to protect their homes from catastrophic wildfire.
Wildfires occur on both sides of the state. From January through March of this year, firefighters have already responded to 32 wildfires on the west side of the state and 15 on the east side. On average, firefighters respond to 800 wildfires across the state every year.
“We need to increase people’s awareness of wildfire prevention. Our focus this year is on teaching homeowners how they can protect themselves, their families and their property,” said Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland. “That’s why the theme for this year’s Wildfire Awareness Week is: When Yard Work Works for You.”
Several western states and Canadian provinces are promoting wildfire awareness, too--important because fire does not respect political boundaries. Homeowners can take steps to protect their own property and also help prevent fires from starting and spreading.
“Create a safety zone to separate homes from combustible plants and vegetation, and pay close attention to sheds and fencing, which also can be flammable. Make your yard ‘fire smart’ by preparing for, not just reacting to, fire,” said Gary Reid, Calgary Canada’s Community Safety Officer.
Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires caused by people. Washington State Fire Marshal Samuel Pierre reminds the public that “flying embers from these fires can travel a mile or more away from their origination point. Before you burn, consider alternative methods such as chipping.”
Vehicles are another significant source for igniting wildfires. Vehicles with catalytic converters or poorly maintained vehicles emitting sparks can ignite the grass and vegetation when pulling off the pavement onto the shoulder of a road, driveway or yard.
Tips for homeowners
In regards to wildfire, homeowners need to think of defensible space when it comes to their homes’ construction and landscape.
Construction:
- Use fire-resistant roof materials.
- Decking, fences, sheds - use fire-resistant materials. Look out for neighbors as well. Your shed may be next to a fence that connects to a neighbor’s home.
Landscaping:
- Maintenance is important. Keep your lawn mowed and green.
- Use fire-resistant varieties for the vegetation surrounding or closest to your home. While all vegetation will burn with a hot enough flame, plants that retain their moisture content tend to be less susceptible to flames passing through. Some examples would be rhododendrons, mock orange, alder, kinnikinnick, etc.
- Remove tree branches overhanging the roof or reaching close to your home. Trim trees at least 11 feet up from the ground.
- Eliminate beauty bark. It can smolder and ignite the vegetation above it. Consider using rock or gravel instead.
- Walkways made of concrete, gravel, stone or similar materials create a great firebreak.
- Water features such as ponds, waterfalls, or in-ground pools also act as a firebreak.
For more ideas on how to make your home and landscape more resistant to wildfire, go to www.firewise.org. DNR also encourages homeowners to consult local nurseries and landscape professionals for advice on plant selection and placement. For group presentations, contact the local State Farm Insurance agent or Department of Natural Resource office for a copy of the video, Naturally Beautiful Fire Resistant Greenbelt Landscaping and the accompanying brochure, When Yard Work Works For You.
DNR’s wildfire mission
DNR, administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland, is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12 million acres of private and state-owned forestland. DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department with hundreds of people trained and available to be dispatched to fires as needed. During fire season, this includes several hundred DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency, about 250 seasonal workers, and about 450 Department of Correction inmates who participate in the Washington Work Camps Program. DNR also participates in Washington’s new interagency approach to firefighting.
