Foresters remind King County residents about fire risk
May 1, 2011
By Staff
NEW — 8 a.m. May 1, 2011
For Wildfire Awareness Week, King County’s forestry program has joined area fire districts and the state Department of Natural Resources to raise awareness and help communities take steps to keep homes and families safe in the event of fire.
Wildfire Awareness Week is observed from May 1-7.
Despite a rainy reputation, Western Washington is not immune to wildfire. Fire has always been a natural part of the Pacific Northwest’s environment, and plays a key role in a healthy ecosystem. However, as people build homes in forests, they find themselves in proximity to possible wildfires.
King County forester Kristi McClelland said forest fires have occurred in east and south King County. Several fires took place in the fall and winter.
“Winter fires are more common than you think in our area, particularly following periods of prolonged drought and fanned by an east wind,” she said.
The county forestry program is supporting wildfire prevention by helping communities in rural forested areas develop and implement community fire safety plans. Modeled after the national Firewise program, such plans prevent the loss of lives, property and resources to wildfire. The effort also encourages forest stewardship among landowners.
Residents can receive free technical assistance for identifying and mitigating wildfire risks. Contact the forestry program at 206-296-8042.
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