As the weather turns drier and warmer, fire departments in Snohomish County are gearing up for the wildfire season and are reminding people to do the same.
Although Snohomish County is not threatened by brush fires as much as some parts of the state, several large brush fires typically are sparked throughout the area every year, said Travis Hots, a battalion chief with the Lake Stevens Fire Department.
A large wildfire here is 20 acres or more. “In Eastern Washington, that would be considered a small event,” Hots said.
Crews fought a 20-acre fire above Granite Falls in 2008, he said.
Many spots in the north end of the county are at risk for brush fires, said North County Fire Chief Christian Davis.
Davis’ fire department, covering more than 100 square miles, typically responds to at least 40 brush fires every season. Most of the time, crews manage to knock down the flames before they become destructive.
“We do a really good job making sure the fires are out,” Davis said. The fire department has two brush trucks, which are off-road vehicles that carry a pump and firefighting equipment. Crews use these trucks to protect homes from brush fires.
People who live in wooded, rural areas should take the time now to protect their homes, Hots said.
They can start with removing firewood piles and cleaning gutters of any dry, dead plant debris. Anything that burns easily should be moved at least 30 feet away from the house, Hots said.
If people have trees that brush up against their house, they need to trim them back or move them. They should clear 100 to 200 feet of space around the house. Needles on the roof, roofing material that can burn and propane tanks near the house also are fire hazards.
Maintaining good access for fire trucks into your driveway is also important, Hots said. Driveways should be about 12 feet wide and with high clearance. Making sure house numbers are visible is another simple safety step.
Hots coordinates when Snohomish County-based crews get called to help fight wildfires in other parts of the state. Firefighters last summer responded to six mobilizations, ranging from two days to two weeks.
Many firefighters get special training for the wildfire season, Hots said. They learn how not to get trapped by a fast-moving fire. They pack up equipment and personal items, readying in case another department calls for help.
Many dangerous brush fires start when people don’t keep an eye on fires they’ve set to burn debris, Davis said. Many are easily preventable.
“We’re just asking people to try to be safe,” he said.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
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