The Skamania County & WSU Extension Wildfire Prevention Program began in 2004. Initially the program had three goals
- assisting rural volunteer fire districts
- developing a GIS data base of rural structures assessed for wildfire susceptibility using a national standard, NFPA 299, (now NFPA1144)
- wildfire education (defensible space etc) for rural residents
In 2007 and 2008 we completed Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) for all areas where people live in Skamania County. (See CWPPs below) These CWPPs contain projects designed to minimize the effect of wildfire on the people in the planning area.
Data on the degree of risk from wildfire for homes in Skamania County was collected from 2004 to 2009. The current data set covers over 90% of the homes in the County.
In January of 2009 we formed the Skamania County Wildfire Prevention Local Coordinating Group (LCG) to prioritize projects outlined in Skamania County's sevenCWPPs at the county level. The LCG is composed of one representative from each of the CWPPs. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public.
We have funding for 2009 to accomplish some of the projects prioritized by the LCG. (See Defensible Space Project 2009)
We are available to share information on things you can do to make your home and neighborhood more likely to survive a wildfire.
This includes referrals for one on one assessment and presentations for groups.
For more information
about this program call (509)427-3769 or send an email to fullerton@co.skamania.wa.us
