Fire Adaptation is for Everyone

Within the FAC framework, everyone has a role to play.

When taking on fire adapted communities work, it is important to ask who is at the table, who is not at the table, who you could be working with, and what might be possible if you work together.

There are no constraints on each role – and we can’t do it alone. This effort is large and complex and we need all hands on deck. Let’s tap into our collective creativity, tools, knowledge, and understanding, and listen to a diversity of perspectives to make this work and fit the unique context of our special place.

Here are a few resources for you.

for everyone

There is a lot of information out there. Here are a few helpful links to lists resources for everyone. Stay on top of fire and smoke information, find toolkits, or connect to industry experts who can help you before, during, or after the fire.

Photo: State Farm

Residents

Living in Washington means living with wildfire. Your family, home, pets, and property are at the center of your life, and it is up to you to prepare for a broad range of inconvenient, and possibly tragic, outcomes. Whether it’s before, during, or after the fire, we understand that the way forward can be daunting. Take simple steps to get started.

Want to learn more? Our WAFAC members are here to help!

neighborhood LEADERS

It’s neighbors that count during emergencies. When disaster strikes, “46% percent of individuals expect to rely a great deal on people in their neighborhood for assistance within the first 72 hours after a disaster”. (Source: ready.gov.) So, get connected!  Get to know them and how you can help each other during a wildfire. 

Here are a few programs to help you get organized and collectively take action.

Community Groups and Local leaders

Nongovernmental organizations, local leaders, city planners, and elected officials are constantly weighing what programs, projects, regulations, and resources will help our communities withstand wildfire and keep the homeowners’ ability to choose at the center of their decisions.

To connect with other professionals working on fire adaptation in the State, contact WAFAC members.

To learn how other professionals are applying fire adaptation practices and strategies in their place, read inspirational stories from the national Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network blog.

BUSINESSES

Up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen. (Source: Insurance Information Institute) When Washington business owners approach wildfire preparedness as an essential business activity, they protect their livelihoods and support their communities.

Land owners and Managers

In Washington, forest experts remove brush and vegetation and use controlled burns to mitigate unhealthy forest conditions. It’s technically, physically, and logistically demanding work that ultimately helps everyone live more safely with wildfire.

FIRST RESPONDERS

Local fire departments and state and federal firefighters navigate the challenging and dangerous frontlines of wildfire suppression, and above all, are charged with public and personnel safety. Because first responders typically experience a high level of community trust, they have a unique opportunity to support their community not only during the fire but before and after, as well.

state and federal assistance programs

State and federal entities offer community wildfire assistance programs focused on cooperation and collaboration. They provide funding and technical expertise for hazardous fuel reduction on non-federal lands, Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), prevention efforts to reduce human-caused fires, wildland fire training for fire departments, and rangeland fire protection associations (RFPAs), business continuity planning, and community recovery efforts. Check-out a few resources available in our State.

Financial Assistance Programs