Wildfires are a serious threat across our state, and believe it or not, in our very own county.  How can wildfires occur in our area when “it rains so much, and the trees are too wet to burn?”  The reality is that anywhere there is a heat, oxygen, and fuel source, a fire can and will burn.  Wildfires are a natural part of the environment; they are going to occur.  Wildfires can occur anywhere that conditions such as fire-prone vegetation and patterns of dry and windy weather exist.  Spread throughout Skagit County are areas considered high-risk for wildfire.  These areas are where homes and communities border forested areas of the county, referred to as “wildlands.”

As the population of Skagit County grows and more and more people move out into the forested lands it is important that we properly educate and prepare ourselves to be responsible stewards of our land.  Part of being a good land steward is managing for healthy forest ecosystems that include wildfire as a component.

As we prepare our homes and landscapes to survive a wildfire we are accepting the responsibility for our own safety and being proactive rather than reactive.  This adds value to our homes, saves money and time, and possibly lives and homes.  Whether these efforts are individual or community-based, they show a respect for the land, your neighbors, and the community.

There is a multitude of information available on how to improve the wildfire safety of your home and property as well as how to work as a community to achieve these goals. Please visit www.firewise.org for this information and/or contact Jenny Hinderman, Firewise Program Coordinator, at the Skagit Conservation District at (360) 428-4313 or email jenny@skagitcd.org.