Firewise

Firewise engages homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildfire. 

The program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. 

When a severe wildfire spreads, it can quickly expose dozens - sometimes hundreds - of homes to fire simultaneously. In many situations, firefighters do not have the resources to defend every home.

Homeowners who take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of their home igniting during a wildfire have a far greater chance of having their homes survive.

The Okanogan Conservation District can provide you with a fire risk site assessment, free of charge. Our staff will examine your property and recommend the steps you can take to make your home or neighborhood more “firewise”. We can also suggest resources to help you cover the costs of activities like thinning which reduce ignition hazards and the fuels that feed wildfires.

Firewise presentations are also available to community groups of 10 or more people.