Wildfire Readiness

Learn to build a resilient community

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted strong El Niño conditions for the Pacific Northwest in 2026. In this case, El Niño likely means a warmer, drier summer with a lower snowpack.

While a warm summer in the islands can mean lots of opportunities to get out on the water, it also comes with a higher fire risk and calls for more individual vigilance to keep our community safe. As we approach the peak of summer, it is important to understand the risks and be prepared for wildfires. Working together, we can do our part to prevent human-caused fires in San Juan County.

Understand the Risks

A crucial first step in preventing fires is understanding what increases fire risk. According to the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management, human activity is the cause of nearly every wildfire incident in the islands. Burning brush piles, lighting fireworks or sparklers, and leaving hot equipment on dry patches of grass or on other flammable surfaces are just a few ways fires can start.

Knowing the current fire risk levels as determined by national and local sources such as the San Juan County Fire Marshal and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (nwcg.gov) can be valuable in understanding risks. Keeping up with fire danger status updates and burn bans is crucial for keeping our community safe.

An even greater fire risk is posed on windy days when grasses are dry and the air is warm, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Preventative Measures

Beyond adhering to all burn bans and fire-safety regulations, there are many little things you can do to take fire prevention into your own hands:

• Fully extinguish campfires. Do not leave them unattended until they are cold.
• Don’t park cars in tall grass.
• Keep a hose or water supply near you while doing outdoor work, especially if you are using gas-powered or electric tools with metal parts that can heat up.
• Regularly clear gutters and roofs of dry leaves and debris.
• Install and test fire alarms.
• Clear flammable vegetation from under decks and near structures.
• Store flammable materials in appropriate safety containers.

Wildfire Ready Neighbors

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative members looking for more guidance on how to protect their homes, properties and families from wildfire risk can turn to the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program. This program explains how to protect your home from fire risk by determining defensible zones and offers a free home wildfire risk assessment and consultation.

The program recommends you have at least a 30-foot buffer that gives your home some room to breathe in case of a fire. In this zone, you can stay protected by maintaining grasses and shrubs, removing fuel vegetation within 5 feet of any structures, and keeping gutters and roofs cleaned.

Preparing for and preventing fires can be daunting, but don’t let that lead to inaction. When everyone does their part to maintain their spaces and reduce risky activity, we can help keep our communities safe.

Visit your local fire department’s website or islandsready.org for more information on how to stay safe. To sign up for a free wildfire readiness plan, visit wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov.