Being Firewise in Your Community Bridget Darrow


This has been the year of extremes, from wet to hot to dry we have experienced an unprecedented myriad of weather conditions. Lightning strikes have sparked numerous fires in our state as well as California, Oregon, Montana and Canada. The land burnt over the last ten years totals almost 70 million acres. These recent events have many homeowners concerned about the threat of fire and what steps they can take to prevent damage to their property. Firewise USA Community, a program through the National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA), focuses on empowering neighbors to work together in reducing their wildfire risk.


Established in 2002, Firewise USA Community program


is a “collaborative approach that connects all those who play a role in wildfire education, planning and action with comprehensive resources to help reduce risk”. Educational resources such as pamphlets, online courses and videos are available as teaching tools to inform a community about their role in preventing fire. These resources can be found on the website http://www.firewise.org/


Here’s a check list of basic tips from Firewise USA Community that any homeowner can accomplish to aid in the prevention of fire:


HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST • Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers


• Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration


• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screen with metal mesh to prevent ember entry


• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home


• Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows


• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating


• Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn


• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches


For Trilogy at Redmond Ridge the dry summer of 2015 and numerous fires were a turning point, prompting action from our Forest Stewardship Committee to create a Wildfire Protection Plan and investigate participation in the Firewise USA Community program. Trilogy at Redmond Ridge is a unique community nestled in 500 acres of natural forested green-belt once logged for timber in the early 1930’s. The forest was left to reestablish which naturally created a second growth forest of primarily Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Big Leaf Maple and Cedar.


The Wildfire Protection Plan includes general information about wildfire, specific wildland fire threats in our area and how these threats can be mitigated. Another aspect to our plan is community engagement in the voluntary Firewise USA Community program. This program at Trilogy at Redmond Ridge is about providing education to our homeowners through town hall meetings and instructional seminars covering the risks of fire and the actions they can take to protect their home and surrounding property. We have been nationally recognized by the NFPA as a Firewise USA Community since 2016.


As a Firewise USA Community we are required to meet annual renewal criteria to maintain our recognition status. These three steps include conducting educational outreach events, performing risk reduction projects and documenting the success of the program. In 2017, our community participated in the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day which focused on identifying native and invasive plant species, proper pruning techniques and basic fire prevention activities. Volunteers then spent time performing clean-up work by filling a 40-yard waste container with dead plant material, limbs and debris. Through this program we have completed many projects that removed yards of flammable material from areas surrounding many homes. When a community bands together for a common cause, they not only feel a sense of accomplishment but see the benefit after completing a work-day with their neighbors.


The very recent fires in California and throughout the Pacific Northwest have brought fire prevention to the forefront of conversation for property owners. The Firewise USA Program is an excellent resource for this initiative by encouraging and educating homeowners to prepare their homes and surrounding landscape from the risk of fire. Fire prevention is a common thread that all homeowners and community groups can act upon to protect themselves and their neighbors.


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