Protect your home from wildfire

Published 9:10 pm Sunday, July 6, 2008

ARLINGTON — Recent temperatures in the 90s have officials concerned about the risk of wildfires in Snohomish County.

Fires this year already have burned thousands of acres in California, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and in eastern Washington.

Five acres north of Stanwood burned on June 29 before crews from North County Fire and EMS could bring it under control.

In August 2006, the Deer Mountain Fire burned 12 acres north of Jordan Road between Arlington and Granite Falls.

Every year, too many families lose their homes and possessions to wildland fires, officials from the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management said.

Taking some time to prepare can help minimize the risks, they said.

“Fires can start and spread quickly, and it is important that people living on or near wooded lots and (near) wild lands … take action now to protect their homes and properties,” said Susan Reinertson, regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Here are some tips for staying safe:

Clean roofs and gutters of tree debris to avoid a build-up of flammable items.

Remove trees that are close to chimney or flue openings and keep a screen over the flue.

Maintain up to a 100-foot buffer around the home.

Garden hoses should be kept connected, and it’s a good idea to keep sprinklers on the roof if fires are threatening.

Make an emergency exit plan and keep important paperwork handy in case evacuations are necessary.

If officials determine evacuations are required, leave immediately and don’t return until officials say it’s safe to do so.

For more information go to http://emd.wa.gov/hazards/haz_wildfire.shtml.