Westport Encourages Residents To Get Wildfire Ready
Washington’s wildfire season has become longer, drier, and hotter. Western Washington is predicted to have an above-normal fire risk for July, August, and September. If a wildfire flares on the South Beach, whether your home survives depends on how well you have prepared.
The city of Westport is on a mission to become a FireWise community. The FireWise program, first developed in the late 1980s, educates communities on how to prepare and protect themselves against wildfires. Whether it's clearing brush, creating firebreaks, or installing fire-resistant materials, there are actionable steps to make your property safer.
Firewise Checklist: Is Your Home Prepared for Wildfire Season?
Jesse Duvall, community resilience coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources, gave a presentation on wildfire readiness at McCausland Hall on the evening of June 6. In collaboration with South Beach Regional Fire Authority, the DNR is helping the city of Westport become Wildfire Ready.
According to Duvall, the main threat to homes during a wildfire is flying embers that can travel up to two miles. These embers can ignite things like pine needles on a home’s roof, dry debris in rain gutters, or brush piles from raked leaves and yard pruning.
The Three Zones Of Wildfire Defense
Immediate Zone (0-5ft.) This is the most vulnerable zone to a fire starting around your home. Simple steps include regular cleaning of roofs and gutters. A 1/8” screen on all vents is recommended to keep embers from entering the home, and double pane windows provide better protection against hot flames. If a wooden fence directly touches the home, replace the two boards that touch the house with metal posts.
Intermediate Zone (30-100ft.) This zone is for creating firebreaks. For example, flower and mulch beds planted around the perimeter of the house should have 18” breaks of rock or pebbles. Creating a defensible space around the home helps to slow down or stop the spread of wildfire.
Extended Zone (30-100ft.) This zone is about maintenance, especially for trees. Trim dead limbs and cut off lower branches. Make space for larger trees by removing smaller ones. Trees from 30-60 feet in height should be at least 12 feet apart.
Read more about the Home Ignition Zone on the National Fire Protection Website
Green Waste Bins In Westport
For the month of June, the city of Westport will have green-waste bins available for residents to dispose of vegetation and woody debris. One bin is located in front of the Lighthouse and a second bin is in front of the Westport Community Garden. The bins are open during the day and residents are encouraged to bring their yard debris. Clearing your yard of overgrown or dry vegetation can greatly reduce fire risks.
South Beach Regional Fire Authority Outreach
Westport residents should be on the lookout for Coleena Curry, fire educator and public outreach information officer for the SBRFA. She and her team will be in uniform going door to door to let homeowners know about Wildfire Readiness and FireWise. Home checks will be offered on the spot, or you can schedule an appointment for a later date or schedule an appointment online. Home checks involve walking the perimeter of your lot and receiving tips on how to improve your homes chances of surviving a fire.
Getting ready for wildfires isn't something you can do alone. It involves the whole neighborhood and the greater community. Learning about fire preparedness and taking steps to reduce fire risk can save lives and property.
(Extra- Check out this video from the National Fire Protection Association)