SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s only been spring for a couple of months now, but fire officials want you to start thinking ahead to how you’re going to protect your family and home this fire season.
The especially dry April has set the stage for what fire officials are predicting to be a harsh wildfire season this summer.
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Areas across Eastern Washington are considered ‘high risk’ for wildfires because of the environment in the region and many homes near wilderness.
“What we’re seeing is that these wildfires affect everywhere. you don’t have to have your home actually out in the forest to be impacted by these fires,” said Cody Rohrbach, Spokane County District 3 Fire Chief.
Rohrbach said there are some vital steps you can take as a homeowner to help protect your property from succumbing to any nearby flames.
“We now know from actual testing that the first 200ft around the home is critical during a wildfire, as far as how it will impact the survivability of that home,” he said.
Rohrbach said, within that 200ft around your property, it’s important to clear brush like pine needles and dead plants or any other flammable materials.
Taking these steps now is more important than ever, as the Department of Natural Resources reports wildfires have reached a new level of danger.
“In eastern Washington and areas like Spokane and Stevens County, we are seeing an increasing frequency and intensity of those wildfires,” said Ryan Rodruck, Communications Manager for DNR.
Despite the heightened risk, local fire departments say they are better equipped than ever, thanks to advanced technology and resources.
In addition to preparing your property, fire officials also recommend having a ‘go-bag’ packed with water, nonperishable food, medication and copies of important documents, and an evacuation plan in place.
“There’s probably not going to be a lot of time to prepare in that moment. Anything you can do beforehand to speed that process up, it’s only going to help,” Rohrbach said.
Fire officials also encourage residents to register for ALERT Spokane to receive real-time notifications on wildfires and evacuations.
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