Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Early dry season warrants for preparedness
Hand and engine crews conduct mop-up operations on the Barry Point Fire to make sure that there are no hotspots left.
COLFAX - Whitman County homeowners may consider changes to further safeguard their property with preventive landscaping.
"It's going to dry out a lot sooner than usual. Everyone should be extremely cautious," said Bill Tensfeld, Whitman County emergency management director. "We're going to have August conditions around mid-July. And we've got erratic winds every day."
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources advises a minimum of five feet between tree branches near a home, trees trimmed of limbs at least 10 feet up, to limit fire's ability to get to the tops of trees. Also "beauty bark" should be kept away from the home as it can smolder.
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said there are some things all residents should keep in mind.
"Seeing the destruction in Malden, the Cold Springs fire ... It's the importance of creating more defensible space around our communities," Franz said. "Some homes were untouched because that home had taken steps. You saw green grass, trees not hear the home, and branches trimmed back."
Defensible space plays a role in how fire departments fight a fire.
"You've got to measure the risk of protecting the structure," said Tensfeld. "If you've got a good, green lawn and defensible space, your fire resources are going to go farther. Three houses with good, defensible space, it takes X amount of fire trucks to protect them. If not, it's going to take 23 fire trucks. You pick and choose what you can protect and what you can't."
In the case of the Malden fire, Tensfeld said no picking occurred since it was a firestorm, which made for an evacuation operation.
Another item to take into account for homeowners is where their house is located.
A residence amidst timber ideally needs a wider area of defensible space of at least a couple hundred feet.
A house in a lentil field would not require as much because of less "fuel load" for the fire and the minimal embers of a field fire.
Shrubs around a home are also of concern.
"Pretty, but it's a high fire risk," Tensfeld said.
For homeowners, Tensfeld notes another thing to think about.
"If things get really bad, be prepared to evacuate, to have a list of items to take or a to-go bag, " she said. "Just a list alone, made when you've got your wits about you, will make a difference."
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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