Office of the State Fire Marshal
State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy
Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
June 10, 2010
Contact:
Deputy State Fire Marshal Esther Hernandez
Phone:
(360) 596-3926
E-mail:
esther.hernandez@wsp.wa.gov
Drought Conditions during Fire Season
While Washington is expected to experience warmer and drier weather than the past two years, dryness is not the only factor that increases fire danger; lightning outbreaks are also a major concern. Those areas in the wildland/urban interface (WUI) that are susceptible to lightning and experiencing these drier conditions are vulnerable due to the increased opportunity for fire to move readily between structures and vegetation. “Homeowners should do all they can to protect their property and take charge of their own fire safety,” says State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy.
Structure protection in the WUI is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs for wildland firefighters, and there is no guarantee that they will be able or available to protect individual homes.; Addressing conditions within the Home Ignition Zone, the home and adjacent surroundings within 100 to 200 feet, largely influences the effectiveness of protection during a wildfire.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following suggestions to make your home and property Firewise:
- Within 30 feet of the home – Plant fire-resistant vegetation. Water plants and trees regularly to ensure that they are healthy and green. Mow the lawn regularly. Prune shrubs and cut back tree branches, the lowest branches should be 6-10 feet high and should not overhang any part of your home.
- Within 30 to 100 feet from the home – Any trees should be spaced 20-30 feet between crowns to prevent fire spread. Plant in small, irregular clusters or islands.; Separate shrubs by at least 2 times their mature height.; Create fuel breaks, such as driveways, gravel walkways and lawns.
- Beyond 100 feet – Prune and thin trees and brush. To slow the spread of fire, thin dense tree groups so canopies are not touching. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris, such as piles of stem wood or branches.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a Bureau of the Washington State Patrol, providing fire and life safety services to the citizens of Washington State including inspections of state licensed facilities, plan review of school construction projects, licensing of fire sprinkler contractors and pyrotechnic operators, training Washington State’s firefighters, and collecting emergency response data.
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