Remember to be Firewise! October through January is prime time for thinning and limbing. Now is also a great time to get a new burn permit from Rural 7 in Goldendale, since the old burn permits expired December 31st, 2018. Also, remember to get signed up for Reverse 911 for Klickitat County, and get alerts on your phone. Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

Residents participating in the 12/1/2018 Firewise work party on Golden Pine.

Dan Lennon, our DNR forester, has sent us some information from Firewise USA.  This is Fire Prevention Week, and the 2018 theme is LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. BE AWARE.  Fire can happen anywhere.  Firewise USA is launching three resources on their website: a video, a webinar, and an online learning module.  "Your Home and Wildfire", a four minute video launched today and can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfbEcMeYFFA.  " Wildfire and Insurance: Be Financially Prepared", a live webinar, will be broadcast October 10th, noon our time.  Registration is required at: https://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-Events/By-type/Webinars/Wildfires-and-insurance-learn-how-to-be-financially-prepared.  "Understanding the Wildfire Threat to Homes" is an interactive learning module for residents which will launch October 12th, and can be found on the Firewise USA site, or at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Firewise-USA/Online-learning-opportunities/Online-courses.  Good stuff to help make us safer!

If you are NOT doing a community or individual cost share, you can still help yourself and your community.  You can submit volunteer hours on this website for hours you spend thinning, limbing, and removing brush.  Look under Data Entry Forms, and fill out a Firewise Volunteer Sheet.  Dan Lennon, our DNR Forester, says that when we find and apply for grants, showing that we are working at being Firewise will increase our chances of receiving grants, even though the hours already accumulated don't count toward the grant.  If we do get a grant, that money can be put to use for projects that make us all safer.

On May 5, 2018, a firewise work party removed overhanging trees and cleared brush on the west entrance to the Park along W Ponderosa.  The Park received a DNR grant for doing this work.  Thanks to all the volunteers for their efforts.

Do you understand the meaning of the Wildfire Evacuation Levels?  Have you heard of the Columbia Gorge Ready, Set, Go! initiative?  Go to the Firewise page for articles on both.