Walla Walla County, DNR launch Wildfire Ready Neighbors

By Dan Thesman on Thursday, April 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA COUNTY – With wildfire season fast approaching, Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources have partnered to raise awareness about the importance of wildfire preparedness by launching Wildfire Ready Neighbors.

Wildfire Ready Neighbors provides access to local experts and free resources that help residents or property owners learn how to reduce wildfire risk through simple actions such as removing flammable brush, cleaning roofs and gutters, and creating defensible space around their homes.

“Walla Walla County residents can also get information about more intensive steps, such as hardening their homes to fire by using more fire-resistant building materials and installing screening vents to block embers,” WWCFD No. 4 Chief Rocky Eastman said. “We all share the responsibility to prevent fire.”

Walla Walla County residents can sign up today at https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/ to receive a free customized action plan, including steps they can take immediately and information about local resources and contractors to get them started. Residents can also request a free home visit where a wildfire expert will visit their property and develop a tailored action plan for wildfire preparedness.

Photo via Washington State Department of Natural Resources