DNR expands ‘Wildfire Ready Neighbors’ program to Western Washington ahead of wildfire season

SEATTLE — As the Washington Department of Natural Resources is gearing up for wildfire season, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has announced its Wildfire Ready Neighbors is expanding to Western Washington.

Last summer, DNR responded to 377 wildfires that burned more than 17,000 acres and threatened hundreds of homes and properties across Western Washington.

Wildfire Ready Neighbors, which is described as a collaborative effort between the DNR, community members, home preparedness exerts and regional fire and conservation districts, is designed to connect communities with tools to better prepare for wildfire season.

The program was founded in 2021 and has previously launched in six Eastern Washington counties.

It launched in Pierce County with a community event on Saturday and is expected to expand to Mason and Thurston counties in the coming weeks.

“Each community has its own unique wildfire risks, but Wildfire Ready Neighbors’ emphasis on taking simple, manageable steps to make our homes and neighborhoods more resilient to wildfire applies across our diverse state – from Spokane to Shelton, and from the Methow Valley to the Mima Mounds,” said Franz. “Wildlife affects us all and the time to take action is now.”

Residents in participating areas can sign up to receive a free, custom action plan for their home or property on wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov.

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