The Forest Service partners with the National Fire Protection Association and its Firewise Communities, a program that teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and act now to prevent losses. According to the association, the number of homes lost in wildfires per year has increased by 163% and wildfires now cost the U.S. an estimated $63 billion to $285 billion per year in losses. The association also notes that nearly 45 million homes abut or intermingle with wildlands and more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk.
This means people living in communities near open spaces should take measures to heighten chances a wildfire will not consume their property. Firewise yards are protected through zones with grass, rock, or evergreen ground cover closure to the home, creating an area where high-intensity fires have little to burn.
This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.
These are key steps provided by the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise program:
In and around your home
Create an emergency plan
Pacific County Fire Protection District 1 was officially formed on October 7, 1940. It is a progressive, full-service fire district providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, ALS and BLS emergency transport services, and public safety education.
Pacific County Fire Protection District 1 serves unincorporated areas of the Long Beach Peninsula including the State Parks, and the communities of Seaview, Klipsan, Ocean Park, Nahcotta, Oysterville, and Surfside.