With critically low snowpacks and drought conditions developing across many areas of Washington, including the Olympic Mountains and most of the Cascade Range’s eastern flank, a dry year could compound the risk of wildfire in Western Washington – including King County.
Residents in rural and wooded areas of King County can learn how to make their homes safer from wildfire and their communities more resilient in the face of disasters of any kind at an upcoming Firewise Leadership Conference in Carnation.
Thursday, May 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Helena Lodge at Camp River Ranch
33300 NE 32nd St., Carnation (map)
Many are surprised to learn that wildfires pose a threat to homes near mossy King County forestlands. Major fires are less frequent here than east of the Cascades, but Western Washington’s mild and wet climate allows fuels to grow more densely than in dry climates.
When a fire does occur it tends to spread quickly. It takes only a few days of dry weather in any season for forests to dry out enough to catch fire.
Communities such as Carnation, Fall City, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Black Diamond and Covington are at particular risk because of their exposure to strong east winds that sweep through King County’s foothills in the summer.
The May 7 conference will bring together rural residents, fire departments and foresters to share ideas promoting “firewise” actions that keep homes and communities safer during wildfire and other emergencies.
Conference highlights include planning for the safety of pets and livestock in emergencies, how to make the best use of social media tools to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and sharing success stories and new ideas for working together as neighbors to keep communities safe.
The conference is free and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. Just go to www.kingcounty.gov/forestry, or contact Linda Vane at 206-477-4842, linda.vane@kingcounty.gov. Contact Vane to request accommodations for people with disabilities.
The conference is sponsored by the Carnation-Duvall Citizen Corps Council, Eastside Fire and Rescue and the King County Forestry Program, with funding in part from the King County Community Service Area grant program.
The county’s forestry program also offers free technical assistance for identifying and mitigating wildfire risk for all King County residents.
