Wildfire Awareness Month begins May 1, and King County’s Forestry Program is working with area fire districts and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to raise awareness and promote actions that keep communities safe in the event of fire.

Steps such as clearing dead leaves and needles from roofs, raking leaves, and storing flammable materials at least 30 feet from structures can prevent blowing embers from igniting homes. Additional tips are on the King County Forestry Program website.

The Forestry Program offers free assistance to residents of rural forested areas to assess their risk from wildfire and develop and implement community fire safety plans. Modeled after the national Firewise program, such plans prevent the loss of lives, property and resources to wildfire while encouraging forest stewardship among landowners. Contact the Forestry Programat 206-477-4842.