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02/26/2008: "How To Protecting Your Home From Wild Fires"

(Residents of the Misty Isle Firewise Community, one of the newest ones on the Island, protecting their community from wild fires. -Ron Garner photo

The South Cady Mountain Firewise Community will be hosting an introductory meeting to discuss these issues and the logistics of becoming a Firewise Community on February 26 at 6PM. It will be held at the San Juan Island Fire Department’s headquarters at 1011 Mullis St. Tom Pence will also discuss the progress they have made to protect the Gerry Oaks in their neighborhood.

Many Island neighborhoods are becoming Firewised to protect themselves against wild fires. The Firewise USA program is designed to help Islanders understand the potential threat of wild fire, what to do before one starts, and how to react when one comes to their area. Actions such as cleaning gutters, keeping access roads open for fire vehicles, and dealing with ladder fuels may help save ones home.



The San Island Fire Department understands the valuable aid they receive when a community has achieved Firewise Community status. It makes it considerably safer for the Fire Department to defend successfully a neighborhood against the wild fire that is bound to come through our Island. With this in mind, the Firewise Team is encouraging all neighborhoods to join the Firewise program before the high fire danger season this summer. Your fire department does not have enough firefighters to protect every home. This is where your pre-fire actions can make a difference. After all, the home you save could be yours.

To receive more information call Ron Garner, Firewise Coordinator, at 378-7722 or stop by the headquarters station to pick up printed materials. The program is free and voluntary. Also, if you would like a Firewise evaluation of your home, call Ron to make an appointment.