Here comes wildfire season – how will you prepare?

Firefighters are constantly on the look out to stay safe when they battle a wildfire. Photo DNR

With the potential for another extreme wildfire season, it makes sense to be prepared.

Wildfire season officially begins on April 15 in Washington state, and with it, the risk of wildfires throughout the entire western half of the United States.

Because of the inevitable fire season and weather models showing another hot, dry summer, DNR is offering a series of wildfire preparedness meetings in eastern Washington.

The meetings are aimed at helping residents in fire-prone areas of the state think ahead and prepare for wildfire season.

DNR officials want to share current weather predictions for the upcoming wildfire season and explain how to protect homes, property, and communities. You’ll be able to ask questions and get information about grants to help clear vegetation and trees to reduce fire hazards, how to sign up as a DNR wildfire contractor, and how you can most effectively contribute to your area’s safety. There will be representatives from local fire districts, local law enforcement, federal agencies, conservation districts, and others.

Each event is free. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Outreach meeting schedule – all meetings are 6:30-8:30 p.m.:

• Twisp, April 22

Methow Valley Community Center, 201 Methow Street, Twisp

• Omak, April 23

Okanogan Fairgrounds, 175 Rodeo Trail Road, Okanogan

• Lyle, April 30

Lyle High School Gymnasium, 625 Keasey Avenue, Lyle

• Wenatchee, May 7

Wenatchee Community Center, 504 S. Chelan Avenue, Wenatchee

• Colville, May 14

Steven’s County Sheriff Ambulance Building, 425 N. Hwy, Colville

• Yakima, May 21

Yakima County Fire District 12, 10000 Zier Road, Yakima

If you need additional information, please contact Megan Fitzgerald-McGowan at 360-902-1317 or Megan.Fitzgerald-McGowan@dnr.wa.gov.

Wildfires are costly and can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and threaten the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect forests and communities. In fact, there have already been 60 forest fires reported in 2015 on lands protected by DNR.

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