Over the last few days, we’ve seen scary and sad scenes from Southern California as multiple wildfires have destroyed the area. People who live in Washington state are also worried because they know how dangerous and destructive nature can be.
You can get yourself, your family, and your house ready for the next big fire, though. Strong winds and dry conditions could make some of the fires in Southern California look like they were happening in other parts of our state.
Deputy Chief Bill Sandlian of East Pierce Fire & Rescue says, “We have a bit more of a defined wildfire season than California does.” “But it’s also very important up here to be ready and learn from what we see down there,”
He says the weather in California is a lot like the weather here in the Cascades, with winds that come from the east. And says that following the rules is the best way to get ready for and fight wildfires.f
“When the alerts to leave go out…Get ready to go. “Don’t stay and fight,” Supt C says.
He also gets that you want to keep your home safe. “We know what it’s like to be attached to your property and not want to lose it.” We also don’t want you to lose it. We also don’t want you to get hurt or killed while trying to protect your stuff.
Sandlian says that if you keep a clear 30-foot area around your house that can be defended, it will help firefighters and other first responders a lot in the event of a wildfire.
He also says you should have a “go bag” ready with enough water, food, clothes, medicine, and other things you will need for at least three days.
Also, remember to keep “fuels” for fire away from your house. Getting rid of brush and other junk from around your house and off of your roof is one of the most important things you can do to be cautious.
Also, professionals say you shouldn’t keep firewood next to your house and that you should clear out your gutters after a storm. Cut back branches that hang over the edge of the tree and clean up after a big storm. All of these things can help you get ready for the worst and maybe even stop it.
The Community Resilience Coordinator One for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources says, “Pay attention to the weather in the spring.” “You need to get the work done earlier if it gets hot and dry earlier.”
He tells people to keep bushes and trees at least 10 feet away from their homes and asks them to clean out under their porches of any extra trash and plants. For extra safety, make sure your windows have two panes of glass.
“Being ready for wildfires is something you do all year,” says Duvall. “And we have to keep preparing for it and paying attention to it all the time.” In Western Washington, most of the fires start to show up around June. In this area, fire season really starts in July. It changes every year.
Duvall also says that keeping your home “lean, green, and clean” is a good way to take care of it. Spread out your gardening and use few plants. Lift the bottom twigs above the line of the brush. Cut the grass and make sure any plants nearby are well-watered and healthy.
In the meantime, Sandlian, who began his work in California, agrees with those views. Someone told him that people should get ready in case there is a burning in Washington.
“What we’re seeing happen in California is happening more and more often here in Washington state.” So, use what you’ve learned. “Get ready now for what might happen up here in the future,” he says.
Officials say that the 2020 Labor Day Fire in Malden and Pine City is the most similar event to what is happening in California for us.
However, experts also tell us that just because we live close to a big city like Los Angeles or Seattle doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be ready for wildfires. Plan how you and your family will get out of the house in case of an emergency.
The government also said that fighting any fire, no matter how small, takes resources that could be used to put out a bigger fire. Something to keep in mind in a place like Tacoma, where the Fire Department just had its budget cut.
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