LIVING IN A NATURAL FIRE ENVIRONMENT

The Pacific Northwest region is an area where fire has always played a prominent role in the natural environment. Long before towns and subdivisions were established across the landscape, fires were a natural result of the frequent summer thunderstorms that traveled across the mountains and plains. However, decades of fire suppression have resulted in fuel conditions that have the potential to create intense wildfires.

Homes, subdivisions, and entire communities are situated within this natural fire environment. Many homes, however, would be unable to survive an intense wildfire. Since it is not a question of "if" wildfires will occur but "when" they will occur, the likelihood of human life and property loss is great and growing.

Our ability to live more safely in this fire environment greatly depends upon our use of "pre-fire activities," the actions taken before a wildfire occurs to improve the survivability of people and homes. These include proper vegetation management around the home (known as defensible space), use of fire-resistant building materials, appropriate subdivision design, and other measures. Research clearly demonstrates that pre-fire activities save lives and property.

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