County gets wildfire mitigation grant
By Terry Murry on Monday, June 27th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla County has entered into an agreement with the Washington State Military Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a $45,750 grant for targeted fuels and mitigation work in strategically selected areas within the county’s wildland urban interface. The grant will be discussed at two upcoming workshops.
The first workshop will be held today (Monday) at Walla Walla County Fire District Number 4, Station 45, 6549 Mill Creek Road, Walla Walla from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The second workshop will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at Walla Walla County Fire District Number 8, 10145 East Highway 12, Dixie from 6 to 7 p.m.
Walla Walla County will partner with Walla Walla County Fire District Number 4 to perform wildfire mitigation in the interface area which comprises of the foothills of the northern Blue Mountains at locations where private property is in or near forested land. The project will mitigate the fire hazard through fuels reduction by landscaping around structures.
A representative from the fire district will inspect the structures and property of interested landowners and provide a treatment prescription. A work crew will perform the labor. There is no cost to the homeowner, but the homeowner will be asked to maintain the work that is performed. The costs to maintain the project are reported to be minimal, with most costs related to disposal of vegetation or downed trees to keep the area clean; work that is generally incorporated into regular yard maintenance.
Participation by landowners is voluntary and is limited to properties located in Walla Walla County. Those who are located in the wildland urban interface and want to see if they are eligible for this hazard mitigation project should call 509-529-1282.
