Increased Wildfire Risk in Western Washington: EJFR Encourages Preparedness and Safety Measures

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Photo courtesy of East Jefferson Fire Rescue  [/caption]

By Robert Wittenberg, Community Risk Manager, East Jefferson Fire Rescue

Historically, western Washington has not faced a significant risk of wildfires.  Our wet winters and mild summers kept the necessary conditions from emerging.  However, in recent years, we have seen warmer and drier weather throughout the region.  Additionally, the snowpack in the mountains has varied, making our area more prone to drought conditions in the summer months.

Last summer’s wildfire in Brinnon further highlights the increased likelihood for wildfire on the Olympic Peninsula. Nearly 400 acres burned on a steep hillside last August, threatening several structures and initiating neighborhood evacuations.

The forecast for the 2025 fire season is not giving us any reprieve.  According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there is an above normal potential for wildfires to occur this season, particularly in July through September.  We are officially in wildfire season, and East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) has been hard at work.

With a grant from Washington State Department of Natural Resources, EJFR has been performing one-on-one wildfire assessments for residents around the district.  These assessments have given us an opportunity to share specific recommendations on how individual property owners can mitigate the risk of wildfire from impacting their homes. While we may not be able to prevent wildfires completely, anyone can take steps on their property to keep a wildfire from becoming a structure fire.

EJFR crews have also continued training on fighting wildland fires, adjusting staffing plans, acquiring additional equipment, and successfully containing several small brush fires already this year.

While people are part of the solution to wildfire damage, we are also often the problem.  Approximately 85% of wildfires can be attributed to human-caused ignitions.  Being aware of weather conditions around your home and staying informed on fire danger levels can provide guidance for staying safe outdoors.

In coordination with the Jefferson County Fire Marshal and the four fire districts serving east Jefferson County, we have implemented a fire danger level system for restricting fire-related activities.

For most of the year, we are at a LOW fire danger level.  This means that fuels do not ignite easily, the likelihood of fire spread is low, and therefore no restrictions exist.  Burning yard debris, having recreational campfires, and using your BBQ grill is all allowed.

When conditions warrant, we raise the fire danger level to MODERATE.  This is when yard debris burning and land clearing burning become restricted. By county ordinance, this automatically occurs on or before July 1. This year, conditions dictated that we raise the fire danger level to MODERATE on June 1, a whole month earlier than 2024.

As warmer conditions continue to develop, we may raise the fire danger level to HIGH, which restricts recreational campfires and fireworks.  While we understand the impact this has on summer celebrations, we also must recognize how quickly a small fire can spread, risking damage to homes and potentially overwhelming our emergency response resources.  BBQ cooking is still allowed, but be sure to never leave cooking unattended and always keep BBQs clear from siding, fences, vegetation, or other combustible items.

If conditions worsen, we may raise the fire danger level to VERY HIGH, which restricts any wood or charcoal cooking. Gas or propane appliances are still allowed at a VERY HIGH fire danger level because the flame can be quickly extinguished by turning off the gas supply.

If conditions become very dry and we raise to an EXTREME fire danger level, all burning of any kind is restricted.

In 2024, we reached the VERY HIGH fire danger level in mid-July and stayed there into late August.  With an early start this year, we have yet to know how high on the fire danger level we will need to go this year.

The impact of wildfire in Jefferson County is dependent on all of us to be safe and recognize our role in protecting the community.  For further information about fire danger levels and current restrictions, how you can request a personalized wildfire assessment, or any questions regarding fire safety, visit www.ejfr.org.