||| FROM KIM KIMPLE for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE |||
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is pleased to announce a joint focus with our community on the National Fire Protection Association’s FireWise USA program.
Every year, we witness wildfires occurring across the country. This raises our concern especially as we experience occasional brush fires on our island. While we work to evaluate the risk of local fire activity, we know that prevention is key and there are things you can do to help protect your home, neighborhood, and your family’s safety.
In collaboration with the FireWise program, an Orcas Island Fire and Rescue representative is available to come to your home to conduct property and neighborhood assessments. These assessments will contribute to the development of an action plan that ensures reduced risk of wildfire in your community and on your property.
There are currently 29 neighborhoods throughout San Juan County that have taken the steps to become certified FireWise properties. To learn more about how you can work to make your home and neighborhood FireWise, contact Orcas Island Fire and Rescue at (360) 376-2331.
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What a wonderful program! I will urge my neighborhood to participate. Earlier this afternoon, we drove by a grass fire that quickly turned in to a brush fire on Orcas Road on our way to the ferry landing. I have no idea how the fire started, I just know that it started small and then took off. Thank you, Orcas Island Fire Department and Orcas Island Deputy Sheriff’s office for responding promptly! And, to our neighbors, please remember to pull over when you see flashing lights behind you!
This brush fire was a stark reminder that a wildfire can happen here, too, not just east of the Cascades.