Emergency Management

Wildfires

Wildfires are any unplanned fires that burn in forests and other wildlands, such as shrub or grass communities. Nearly 9/10 wildfires nationwide are caused by humans and could have been prevented.

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. If you live where urban development meets wildlands, or on a remote hillside, in a valley, prairie, forest or brushland where flammable vegetation is abundant, your residence could be vulnerable to wildfires.¹

Tips: Before a Wildfire

To check the air quality in Spokane, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow NowCast tool
Mark the entrance to your property with address signs that are clearly visible from the road.
Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof / rain gutters free from debris.
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your residence.
Store flammable materials, liquids, and solvents in metal containers outside your residence at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
Create "defensible space" by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your residence. Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris, and low tree branches.
Follow Local Burning Laws
Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly. For example, hardwood trees are more fire-resistant than pine, eucalyptus, or fir trees.
Make sure water sources, such as hydrants, ponds, swimming pools, and wells are accessible to the fire department.
Use fire resistant, protective roofing and materials like stone, brick, and metal to protect your residence.
Cover all exterior vents, attics, and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters or 1/4 inch to prevent debris from collecting and to help keep sparks out.
Have chimneys, wood stoves, and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.