Fire Safety & Wildfire Preparedness

Living in Paradise Means Living with Fire Risk

Most Orcas Island homes sit surrounded by beautiful Pacific Northwest forest. That same forest that gives us privacy, wildlife, and natural beauty also creates wildfire risk. The good news? You can dramatically reduce that risk with smart preparation.

The Reality Check

80% of homes lost to wildfire could have been saved with proper defensible space and preparation. When wildfire threatens our island, ferry schedules and limited escape routes make preparation even more critical.

You're not helpless. Taking action now protects your home, your family, and your neighbors.

Create Your Defensible Space

Think of defensible space as giving your home room to breathe during a fire.

Zone 1: Your Home's Life Support (0-30 feet)

This is your most critical area:

  • Remove all flammable vegetation within 5 feet of structures

  • Keep lawns green and mowed short during dry season

  • Store firewood at least 30 feet away from buildings

  • Clean gutters and roofs regularly - remove pine needles and leaves

  • Use fire-resistant plants like native sedums, kinnikinnick, or ocean spray

Zone 2: The Buffer Zone (30-100 feet)

Reduce fire intensity before it reaches your home:

  • Create fuel breaks - areas of low-growing, fire-resistant plants

  • Thin dense vegetation but don't create bare ground (erosion risk)

  • Remove lower tree branches up to 10 feet high

  • Space trees so crowns don't touch - fires jump from tree to tree

Zone 3: Extended Area (100+ feet)

Slow the fire's approach:

  • Thin overcrowded forest areas where possible

  • Remove dead and dying trees

  • Create natural firebreaks using driveways, clearings, or water features

Island-Specific Strategies

Access and Evacuation

Emergency vehicles need to reach you:

  • Keep driveways clear and wide enough for fire trucks

  • Trim overhanging branches to 15 feet clearance

  • Post clear, reflective address numbers visible from the road

  • Have multiple escape route plans

Water Sources

Every gallon counts on an island:

  • Maintain swimming pools as emergency water sources

  • Install external water connections for fire department use

  • Consider rain catchment systems for fire suppression

  • Keep garden hoses connected and ready

Community Coordination

Your neighbors' preparation affects your safety:

  • Work together on shared property lines

  • Coordinate evacuation plans with nearby residents

  • Share resources like chippers for vegetation removal

  • Form neighborhood preparedness groups

Home Fire Prevention

Make Your House Fire-Resistant

Simple upgrades make huge differences:

  • Install spark arresters on chimneys

  • Use fire-resistant roofing materials when replacing

  • Screen vents and eaves to prevent ember entry

  • Maintain gutters free of debris

  • Consider fire-resistant siding materials

Emergency Equipment

Be ready to act quickly:

  • Fire extinguishers on every level, properly maintained

  • Working smoke detectors with fresh batteries

  • Emergency water supply for drinking and fire suppression

  • Battery-powered radio for emergency updates

  • Go-bag ready by the door

Know When to Leave: Ready, Set, Go!

READY (Always)

  • Create and practice evacuation plans

  • Maintain defensible space year-round

  • Keep important documents in grab-and-go container

  • Register for emergency alerts from San Juan County

SET (Fire Activity in Area)

  • Monitor emergency communications

  • Prepare to evacuate - load vehicles, gather pets

  • Check with neighbors who may need help

  • Stay alert for changing conditions

GO! (Evacuation Ordered)

  • Leave immediately - don't delay

  • Follow designated evacuation routes

  • Check ferry schedules and have backup plans

  • Don't return until authorities give all-clear

Seasonal Fire Safety

Spring: Preparation Season

  • Clean up winter debris around homes

  • Service equipment before fire season

  • Plan vegetation management projects

  • Check water systems and hoses

Summer: High Alert

  • Monitor fire danger levels daily

  • Restrict activities during red flag warnings

  • Keep vehicles off dry grass

  • Be extra careful with any ignition sources

Fall: Maintenance Mode

  • Clear gutters of fallen leaves

  • Continue vegetation management

  • Prepare for storm season and power outages

Get Professional Help

Contact OIFR for:

  • Home fire safety assessments - we'll visit your property

  • Firewise community development - start a neighborhood program

  • Questions about defensible space - we know local conditions

  • Emergency planning assistance - evacuation routes and strategies

Take Action Today

Start with one project - even small steps reduce risk significantly

Work with neighbors - shared efforts multiply effectiveness

Make it annual - fire safety requires ongoing maintenance

Get expert advice - call us at (360) 376-2331 for site-specific guidance

Resources for Orcas Island Residents

Washington State Wildfire Ready Neighbors: wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov - Free wildfire preparedness plans

National Firewise Program: firewise.org - Community fire safety resources

San Juan County Emergency Management: islandsready.org - Local emergency planning

Remember

Fire safety isn't about fear - it's about smart preparation. Taking these steps protects the forest lifestyle we all love while keeping our families and community safe.

Your preparation helps your neighbors too. Every home that's wildfire-ready makes the whole community more resilient.

Questions? Call us at (360) 376-2331. We're here to help.