Wildfire Workshops May 21-24

From San Juan County Department of Emergency Management

Learn about the assessments of wildfire risk and the wildland urban interface of San Juan County.  Discuss YOUR priorities for how our community can best mitigate these risks.

The planning committee would like to provide the opportunity for meaningful discussions among community members and local, state, and federal government representatives regarding their priorities for local fire protection and land management.

Public input is being sought to better understand the vulnerability of County residents, businesses, and resources to wildfire.  The purpose of this plan is to promote awareness of the countywide wildland fire hazard and propose workable solutions to reduce the wildfire risk.

• Shaw Island – May 21^st 5:30 pm at the Community Center
• Friday Harbor – May 22^nd 5:30 pm at 1011 Mullis street
• Waldron Island – May 23^rd 11:00am at the Post Office
• Orcas Island – May 23^rd 5:30 pm at 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound (Meet & Greet 4 pm – 5 pm)
• Lopez Island – May 24^th 5:30 pm at 2228 Fisherman Bay Road

These public meetings will address the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Wildfire Risk Assessment being developed for San Juan County. The planning committee is working on:

• Mapping the Wildland Urban Interface in San Juan County.
• Improving public awareness and educating the public about wildfire risk.
• Evaluating strategies for landowners to lessen wildfire potential.

• Addressing areas of inadequate fire protection.Recommending risk mitigation projects.

These meetings are open to the public and will include slideshow presentations by wildfire specialists and local personnel working to develop these plans.

For more information on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the Wildfire Risk Assessment, contact your local Fire Department or Brad Tucker with Northwest Management, Inc. at (208) 883-4488 ext. 123