Whidbey Island Conservation District
Firewise®
Why Firewise on Whidbey Island?When it comes to wildfire, do you think of Whidbey Island? Most would venture east of the mountains, but with growing awareness of the effects that drought-prone summer seasons play in wildfire ignition potential on Whidbey Island, Whidbey Island Conservation District, Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue District, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the Washington State Conservation Commission came together in July 2016 to create Central Whidbey's first-ever Firewise® Program. As of spring 2017, Firewise has expanded to be available to all Whidbey Island residents, with support from North Whidbey Fire & Rescue District and South Whidbey Fire & EMS. Since 2002, Firewise has been a nationally-recognized outreach and education program that empowers residents to work collaboratively and take proactive steps to protect their homes from wildfire. Its resources and recommendations are tailored to Whidbey Island's unique climate and geography, as well as the individual homes and communities that request its services. Of the over 1,200 recognized Firewise communities today, Washington state took the lead in new communities joining in 2016! There is no better time than now to learn about and prepare homes and properties from the threat of wildfire.
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...Click to download & view flyer
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Request a Free Firewise Home Assessment or Community Workshop
Sign Up Here!
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When it comes to wildfire on Whidbey, it's not a matter of if, just a matter of when. Will you be prepared? One of our Firewise specialists can visit your property to conduct a free, one-hour Firewise Home Assessment and will provide you with a list of practical ways to lessen your wildfire risk. Learn from local fire experts about the science behind fire, and steps you and your neighbors can take at home and as a community to be more fire-WISE! Additionally, you can chose to couple your Firewise Home Assessment with an interior Home Safety Survey, a service provided by your local fire department staff. Just check the box on the sign-up form to let us know you'd like to do both!
Questions? Contact Kelsi, WICD’s Firewise Coordinator. You can call (360) 678-4708 or submit your free Firewise home assessment request form here.Our workshops, home assessments, community assessments, & community presentations can be tailored to meet your needs. |
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What is the Wildfire Risk on Whidbey Island?
 Central Whidbey Communities
Wildfire risk is closer than you might think. Fuels, prevailing winds, and topography are the key factors in determining a home’s ignitability during a wildfire incident. On the west side of Whidbey, communities tucked within forested areas along the dry, bluff zones that receive prevailing west winds in summer are more at risk. Through Firewise, homeowners can take proactive steps to understand the science behind home ignitability, and techniques to create defensible space in their home ignition zones.
Did you know that Central Whidbey, specifically, is more at risk because it receives significantly less precipitation than on north and south Whidbey Island? In the dry summer months of June - September, drier, fine fuels coupled with westerly winds and steep slopes increase the hazard of wildfire risk to rural residents. Those who live in forested communities near the bluff north or south of this rain shadow zone can still benefit to learn about Firewise, even though their risk may be less. |
 Olympic Rain Shadow Map
Firewise is designed to educate and empower homeowners about the science behind wildfire, and equip them with the tools to take proactive steps to reduce their risk through home assessments and site visits with tailored recommendations from resource specialists, community presentations from local fire experts, a rich print & digital resource library for both adults and kids, and ongoing support by local professionals at the Whidbey Island Conservation District.
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The Science of Home Ignition from Wildfire
When it comes to wildfire risk, it is not a geographical location, but a set of conditions that determine the home’s ignition potential in any community. Wildfire behavior is influenced by three main factors: topography (lie of the land), weather (wind speed, relative humidity and ambient temperature) and fuel (vegetation and man-made structures). In the event of extreme wildfire behavior, extreme weather conditions are normally present, like extended drought, high winds, low humidity and high temperatures, coupled with excess fuel build up including the accumulation of live and dead vegetation material. Additionally, the area’s topography influences the fire’s intensity and rate of spread.
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OF THESE THREE FACTORS, "FUEL" IS THE ONLY ONE WE CAN INFLUENCE.
Debris like dead leaves and pine needles left on decks, in gutters and strewn across lawns can ignite from embers. Ladder fuels present a hazard for homes located next to maintained contiguous forest. Fire moving along the ground’s surface can “ladder” into shrubs and low hanging tree limbs to create longer flames and more heat. If your home has flammable features or vulnerable openings, it can also serve as fuel for the fire, and become part of a disastrous chain of ignitions to other surrounding homes and structures. See the ladder fuels graphic below for a visual representation of ladder fuels. |
What are Firewise's Program Benefits to My Community & Me?
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To Community Leaders:
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To Individual Homeowners:
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What is My "Firewise Home Ignition Zone"?
According to fire science research and case studies, it’s not where a home is located that necessarily determines ignition risk, but the landscape around it, often referred to as the “home ignition zone.” The home ignition zone is defined as the home and its immediate surroundings up to 100 feet. Below is a visual with great tips and tricks to help reduce the threat of wildfire around YOUR home ignition zone. These tips are tailored to Whidbey Island's unique geography and climate.
...Click image to be directed to some great tips on the National Fire Protection Association Firewise website for maintaining your forested property
...Click image to be directed to tips for pruning your forested acreage with Firewise in mind. This publication was created for Alaskans, but applies to us here in the Pacific Northwest as well.
Firewise Resources for Homeowners
Be sure to check out the "Resource Highlight" box above for a downloadable zip file of all these resources!
The Whidbey Island Firewise Program has a great selection of print and digital resources available to homeowners and community leaders interested in understanding the science of fire and wildfire prevention tips and tricks at home. Below are what our team has identified the "golden nugget" resources of Firewise for homeowners. Click here to access these in one easy-to-find location to download and print.
These Firewise® publications can be accessed by clicking the images below. To access all the resources that Firewise has to offer, visit http://www.firewise.org/.
These Firewise® publications can be accessed by clicking the images below. To access all the resources that Firewise has to offer, visit http://www.firewise.org/.
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Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes
Are you interested in landscaping with wildfire prevention in mind? Check out this great Oregon State University publication that shares fire-resistant plants for home landscapes. Contact one of our resources planners at the Whidbey Island Conservation District for recommendations of what fire-resistant plants to incorporate into your landscape. |
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Complete Firewise Toolkit
Firewise provides a number of proven tools and resources for homeowners who work to prepare for wildfire. This complete toolkit comprises the "golden nuggets" of these resources in one easy-to-find place. |
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How to Have a Fire-Resistant Home
One of the homeowner favorites, a tri-fold brochure that showcases tips and tricks for how to prepare your home and surrounding landscape for the threat of wildfire. |
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Firewise Guide to Landscape & Construction
Interested in taking home construction to the next level and learning about what materials to select that can help you prepare for wildfire better? |
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Fire Resistant Plants
Selected deciduous and evergreen tree species, as well as shrubs that possess fire-resistant traits, as established by the Plant Materials Center in Bow, Washington. |
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When Yard Work Works for You
A good introduction to what makes a plant fire-resistant here in Washington. |
Firewise for Youth & Schools
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Whidbey Island Conservation District staff are happy to create and tailor a localized Firewise presentation for your school group for students in grades K-12. Please contact Kelsi at (888) 678-4922 to discuss this opportunity further. Check out the Firewise Kid's Korner for a great selection of wildfire resources, including safety videos, artwork, magazines, lesson plans & curriculum guides for teachers, and more. Be sure to stop by the WICD office at 1 NE 4th St., Coupeville, WA 98239 to pick-up some free information for your children about Firewise.
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Learn About Fire from Jack Cohen, Founder of "Home Ignition Zone"
Learn about the science behind wildfire from Jack D. Cohen, Research Physical Scientist, United States Forest Service. No one has done more to define the wildland-urban interface problem and empower homeowners to reduce their risk of wildfire than Jack Cohen. His post-fire field examinations and laboratory-based research on fire dynamics led to the concept of the home ignition zone, a phrase he coined.
Sierra Firewise photos here.
When it comes to Firewise & other conservation resources, Whidbey Island Conservation District has you covered.
Farm Planning & Rural Landowner Resources
Our staff's top picked resources for rural property conservation - a great introduction to farm planning and other agricultural topics!
Download your FARM & AGRICULTURE packet here
Our staff's top picked resources for rural property conservation - a great introduction to farm planning and other agricultural topics!
Download your FARM & AGRICULTURE packet here
Beginning Farmer Resources
Our staff's top picked resources for rural property conservation - a great introduction to farm planning and other agricultural topics!
Download your BEGINNING FARMER PACKET here
Our staff's top picked resources for rural property conservation - a great introduction to farm planning and other agricultural topics!
Download your BEGINNING FARMER PACKET here
Horses & Pasture Resources
Our staff's top picked horse resource planning packet.
Download your HORSES & PASTURE PACKET here
Our staff's top picked horse resource planning packet.
Download your HORSES & PASTURE PACKET here
Forest Stewardship Resources
Our staff's top picked resources on forest stewardship for Whidbey Island residents.
Download your FOREST STEWARDSHIP PACKET here
Our staff's top picked resources on forest stewardship for Whidbey Island residents.
Download your FOREST STEWARDSHIP PACKET here
Firewise Resources
Our staff's top picked resources on the science behind wildfire and how to be more "Firewise" as a resident living on Whidbey Island.
Download your FIREWISE PACKET here
Our staff's top picked resources on the science behind wildfire and how to be more "Firewise" as a resident living on Whidbey Island.
Download your FIREWISE PACKET here
Water Resources
Check out our staff selection of introductory water resource management information.
Download your WATER RESOURCES PACKET here
Check out our staff selection of introductory water resource management information.
Download your WATER RESOURCES PACKET here
Bluff & Shoreline Resources
As a highbank or shoreline/ waterfront property owner on Whidbey Island, this packet has great resources for managing your property in a way that conserves your resources. Note: Before modification of any critical area, be sure to inquire with the local County representative for necessary permitting and questions.
Download your BLUFF & SHORELINE PACKET here
As a highbank or shoreline/ waterfront property owner on Whidbey Island, this packet has great resources for managing your property in a way that conserves your resources. Note: Before modification of any critical area, be sure to inquire with the local County representative for necessary permitting and questions.
Download your BLUFF & SHORELINE PACKET here
Soil Conservation Resources
Understanding your soils is a foundation for any backyard conservation endeavor. Check out this compilation soils information identified by our staff as your soils intro.
Download your SOIL CONSERVATION PACKET here
Understanding your soils is a foundation for any backyard conservation endeavor. Check out this compilation soils information identified by our staff as your soils intro.
Download your SOIL CONSERVATION PACKET here
Native Plants Resources
Native plants provide a landowner with countless possibilities for infusing conservation into their backyards. Whether you have a wetland, a shoreline, a forest, or a lot in town, you won't want to miss the resources in this intro to native plants packet. Be sure to also check out our Recommended Book List for native plant identification and landscaping. This also includes some of the top digital links to websites that can help you with selecting native plant species to fit your conservation goals!
Download your NATIVE PLANTS PACKET here
Native plants provide a landowner with countless possibilities for infusing conservation into their backyards. Whether you have a wetland, a shoreline, a forest, or a lot in town, you won't want to miss the resources in this intro to native plants packet. Be sure to also check out our Recommended Book List for native plant identification and landscaping. This also includes some of the top digital links to websites that can help you with selecting native plant species to fit your conservation goals!
Download your NATIVE PLANTS PACKET here
Noxious Weeds Resources
Noxious weeds can inhibit conservation practices on your property. It is important to know how to identify noxious weeds and manage them. Learn more by downloading our top resources on noxious weeds below.
Download your NOXIOUS WEEDS PACKET here
Noxious weeds can inhibit conservation practices on your property. It is important to know how to identify noxious weeds and manage them. Learn more by downloading our top resources on noxious weeds below.
Download your NOXIOUS WEEDS PACKET here
