As of this writing, there are already several large wildland fires underway on the west (“wet”) side of the Cascades and it seems like the fire season is starting early.
We know that wildland fires can happen here; it’s in your interest as well as ours to prepare yourself, your family, your home and your property as much as possible.
We’re partnering with our neighbors at Poulsbo Fire Department and others to host several meetings in June on wildland fire safety. We don’t have the dates and locations set yet, but will post them on our web sites as soon as they’re available. Until then, think about these questions: What if you had to evacuate in a hurry as the residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta were forced to do in early May? What would you take with you? Do you have emergency supplies stored in your vehicle or ready-to-go? If the cellular phone system was overwhelmed, how would you let family and friends know that you and yours were safe?
Find tips for preparing for wildfire and other disasters at www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies.
Take advantage of favorable spring weather to do as much as you can to make your home and surrounding property wildfire-resistant. For guides on creating defensible space around your home, see www.firewise.org or call us at 297-3619; we’d be happy to come out to your place and give you some ideas.
SUMMER FIRE PREVENTION: Fire danger increases with warm and dry weather. Take care with all ignition sources, and keep your eye on our web site (www.nkfr.org) for word that a burn ban is being imposed. You can also call our outdoor burn information line at 297-4888. The pre-recorded message will be updated as soon as there’s any change in outdoor burning status.
LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS: As we do every year, we urge you to donate to support the large public displays in Kingston and other local communities, and let professionals handle the fireworks. Public displays are far more spectacular and much more cost-effective. They’re also easier on your neighbors, your pets and your first responders.
We wish you and yours a safe and happy Independence Day holiday!
— Michele Laboda is public information officer for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Contact her at laboda@nkfr.org.
