‘Wildfire Ready Neighbors’ program expands to Thurston County

Preparations are underway in Thurston County as wildfire season starts to ramp up.

It’s in response to the Bordeaux Community Fire and Scatter Creek Fire that hit the region in recent years, prompting residents to be proactive for the 2023 season.

A few weeks ago, the Washington Department of Natural Resources announced it was expanding its Wildfire Ready Neighbors program to include Pierce, Mason and Thurston counties. The program connects residents with experts and fire prevention tools with the hope of saving lives and land.

Residents will also be able to request a free consultation where a wildfire expert will visit their property and develop a detailed action plan for fire preparedness. Since 2021, more than 4,000 Washingtonians have taken advantage of the program.

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz says the time for residents to act is now, as every year, hotter and drier conditions create an increased wildfire threat.

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