Learn the Best Ways to Protect Your Home from Wildfire

This year’s mild winter weather has left lighter snowfall in the Olympic Mountains and may be a harbinger of drier conditions during the upcoming wildfire season.  The impact of reduced snowfall is yet to be seen. However, East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) is asking residents to start preparing for a dry, warm summer season by taking steps to increase the defensible space around their homes. The goal is to reduce the risk of a wildfire from becoming a structure fire.

Contrary to some beliefs, reducing combustible fuels around your home does not mean eliminating landscaping and paving yards. Rather, strategic landscaping choices can create healthier environments that contribute to more beautiful yards.

Additionally, minor improvements to the exterior of your home, including clearing roofs, cleaning gutters, removing combustible debris and screening open vents and below wood decks can significantly reduce the risk of structural ignition from airborne embers.

Understanding how to best prioritize these important tasks can be daunting, but EJFR is once again prepared to provide customized guidance and information on how to best prepare your home for wildfire season.

Following up on last year’s successful campaign of Home Wildfire Assessments, EJFR has expanded this beneficial program in 2026 by bringing in additional qualified specialists and implementing a more robust platform for scheduling, reporting and tracking the impact of these assessments.

To request your free Home Wildfire Assessment, visit www.ejfr.org and select Home Wildfire Assessments. The best way to protect your home from wildfire damage is by being informed and taking necessary steps to prevent damage.

If you have any questions about this program, call EJFR at (360) 385-2626.