What does it mean to be firewise
There is no doubt that Cle Elum and the surrounding Kittitas area is a gorgeous place to live. With all the mountains, trees, beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams, it is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. However, living in the mountains requires some extra steps to make sure our community stays safe from unpredictable wild fires. This is where fire wising comes in to play. What does fire wising actually mean? This is a great question as a lot of people are unaware of the dangers of having too much shrubbery, debris, and over grown trees too close to home.
Research has shown that it is the embers and small flames that cause the majority of homes to ignite in wildfires. Thus making it essential to make sure the condition of your home and everything around it, up to 200' from the foundation is clear from all debris.
To increase you home's chance of surviving a wildfire, it is best to limit the amount of flammable vegetation in what are called the three home ignition zones. These zones include the Immediate Zone, which is up to 5 feet around your house, the Intermediate Zone, which is the area 5 to 30 feet around your home, and the Extended Zone, which is 30 to 100 feet around your home.
With firewising, it is imperative to trim branches that overhang around the home, porch, or deck. Making sure to prune branches of large trees up to 6 feet from the ground is also essential. It is also advisable to remove plants containing any resins, oils, and waxes around your home as well as using gravel or crushed stone instead of mulches that are flammable. Overall, be sure all landscaping within the zones are kept in good condition.
Firewising is not just about keeping your land and house in good shape to prevent the spread of wildfires, but it is also having a plan if you ever need to evacuate. Do you and your family have two known ways to evacuate your neighborhood? Do you have a plan in place of what you will do with animals you may have on your property? Have you discussed a meeting place if you get separated? These are all important aspects of firewising that should be addressed.
What is the process to firewise
Now that you understand what it means to firewise and the necessity for it, lets discuss how exactly the process works and what steps you can take to complete the process. Here in Washington State, DNR works with the fire district as well as the county you live in to help residents benefit from Firewise USA and all the education and resources it has to offer. You can find more information on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org) website. It may be beneficial to talk to your neighbors and form a committee of volunteers to help make sure your community is Firewise safe.
To learn more about Firewise, click here: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA
To learn how DNR can help you in your specific neighborhood, click here: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/cost-share
How much is it to firewise (including cost share from DNR)
In Washington State, a program is offered for small forest landowners (less than 5,000 acres). This is offered through the DNR's Forest Health and Resiliency Division. This program can not only help forest landowners with offering ways to reduce their risk of wildfire, but they also offer help in ways to improve the health of their trees, increase wildlife habitats, and can also help the landowner in applying for a cost-share for firewising their land. While the cost-share program focuses on the technical and financial side of firewising, DNR also offers a stewardship program that focuses more on education and management of your land.
If you are ready to get started in making sure your land and home is protected from wildfire, you can email dnrreseloa@dnr.wa.gov for a free consultation with a cost share proposal.
How can McCallum Specialty Contracting help
Here at MSC we have extensive experience with forest management and are able to help you throughout the planning process and doing the work. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your healthy and sustainable forest.
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