SPOKANE, Wash. – As temperatures rise and winds pick up, fire danger is a pressing concern in Spokane. The Spokane Fire Department is actively working to mitigate wildfire risks throughout the county to keep the community safe during fire season.
The department is focused on reducing wildfire fuel risks to protect homes and neighborhoods. One local resident shared their perspective on the importance of this work: “I can look back and my kids can enjoy a forest that we grew with the intent to grow large diameter trees that are fire resistant. The bigger they get, the thicker the bark, the more they self prune. And a fast moving grass fire really isn’t a big deal.”
The Spokane Fire Department has identified several areas with significant wildfire fuel concerns, noting that many regions are overgrown. Wildfire fuel mitigation is not only crucial for reducing fire risk but also plays a role in maintaining healthy forests. Naturally, wildfires should occur every 5 to 20 years to thin out weaker trees and prevent overcrowding.
Jeffries, a representative from the department, highlighted Spokane’s unique landscape: “Spokane is unique because it has lots of wooded areas right next to urban housing.” He emphasized the importance of creating a safety zone around homes: “What we talk about is creating a five foot no burn zone around your structure, because a lot of people in the South Hill think they’re safe from wildfire. But the reality is, if there was a significant event down here, it would climb up and it would throw embers all over on the South Hill.”
Homeowners concerned about wildfire preparations can reach out to Wildfire Ready Neighbors for assistance. The Spokane Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources offer free risk assessments to help residents protect their properties.
