The City of Snoqualmie released a press release Thursday, August 20, 2015, reminding residents and businesses of brush fire safety prevention tips.
According to the release, while the Snoqualmie Fire Department is prepared to quickly respond to any signs of structural or wildland fires, “it is of the greatest importance for everyone in Snoqualmie to be vigilant of brush fire dangers.”
On August 19th, three firefighters died in the line of duty on August fighting the wildfire near Twisp in north central Washington.
According to the City of Snoquamie, at the time, Snoqualmie, Fall City, and Duvall firefighters were helping battle the wildfire surrounding Lake Chelan. Those local firefighters, though, have now been reassigned to the Twisp fire.
In Washington there are 11 counties and four tribes affected or threatened by wildfires. The fires have already destroyed more than 50 homes, 60 other structures and more than 235,000 acres of land.
To help mitigate any brush fires in Snoqualmie, follow these tips:
- Create a safety zone around your home or structures of at least 30 feet.
- Remove all debris such as leaves and rubbish from under and around structures.
- Remove all dead branches from trees.
- Remove vines from the walls of your home.
- Prune any branches or shrubs within 15 feet of stovepipes or chimney outlets.
- Dispose of newspaper and rubbish at approved sites regularly and do not allow them to pile up against the side of structures.
- Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans away from the base of structures and in a safe location.
- Stack firewood at least 10 feet away from the home and make sure to clear all combustible materials within 20 feet away.
- Make sure that you have got a long enough garden hose that reaches your home and any other structures on your property.
