Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Emergency Management

Firewise

Firewise USA® is a program that promotes defensible space, ignition-resistant construction, and vegetation management to reduce flammable fuels around buildings. It also promotes fire resistive construction.

Studies have shown that more than 80 percent of homes lost to wildland fire may have been saved if measures were taken to create defensible space around structures, such as clearing brush.

Thurston County works closely with Local Fire Districts, Thurston Conservation District, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources to build and sustain community wildfire protection plans and initiatives.  

For more information on the County’s community wildfire protection plans and programs, contact:

Brandon Cheney

Emergency Management Coordinator,

Hazard Mitigation and Recovery

brandon.cheney@co.thurston.wa.us

360-867-2826

Ways to Protect You and Your Family From the Dangers of Wildfire

There are several steps you can take to help protect you, your family, and your community from the dangers of wildfires.

  • Follow all local fire bans and restrictions and use caution when using fire outdoors.
  • Keep your property clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris that can easily catch fire.
  • Consider creating a defensible space around you home by removing flammable materials and thinning out trees and brush.
  • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow the instructions of local authorities and take only essential items with you. Have a plan in place for where you go and how you will get there.
  • Consider keeping a battery-powered radio on hand when recreating outdoors to monitor local news and emergency alerts, and contact authorities during an emergency.

Additional content heading: Firewise USA® Resources
 

Learn more about Firewise USA® and how to take action to make your home safer from wildfire and promote wildfire preparedness in your community.
 

Get involved in helping your neighborhood become wildfire resilient through WA DNR’s Wildfire Ready Neighbors program.

Visit Wildfire Ready Neighbors and sign-up to get your free Wildfire Ready Plan today!

Learn more from our partners at Washington State Department of Natural Resources on Community Wildfire Protection
 

Firewise USA