Prevent, Prepare, Protect: Tools for Wildfire Preparedness

Are you prepared in the event of an emergency?

Wildfires rage throughout the Pacific Northwest every summer, leaving behind a path of destruction and harm to ecosystems. Lately, these fires have felt much closer to home.

It’s easy to forget that Issaquah Highlands is surrounded by forests, parks and natural areas with dense vegetation—including parts of the Cascade Mountain Range. One stray spark from a campfire, discarded cigarette or piece of equipment can inadvertently start a wildfire.

Wildfires are more likely to occur during periods of prolonged dry and hot weather, making vegetation more susceptible to ignition. Areas with an abundance of dry vegetation, such as forests with dead trees and underbrush, provide ample fuel for wildfires.

In response to the hot and dry weather, jurisdictions across King County have joined together to issue a Stage 2 Complete Burn Ban. This means all outdoor fires (including recreational campfires, pellet fireplaces, cooking fires and ceremonial fires) are prohibited.

Eastside Fire & Rescue (EFR) recently launched the Wildfire Safe Eastside Home Assessment Program to proactively address the risks associated with these devastating natural disasters. By completing the online request form, a firefighter will come to your house and conduct an assessment to determine wildfire mitigation measures.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you should make the following changes in and around your home before a wildfire threatens your area:

Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

In the event of a wildfire or any hazard in Issaquah, ALERT King County is one of the best emergency alert tools available to us. Alerts are sent via call, text and email in nine languages (Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin-Chinese Simplified, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish). Sign up for the emergency alerts here.

Stay informed during local emergencies or disasters by…