Signups continuing for free Wildfire Ready Neighbors program for high-risk areas

CHELAN - Through the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program, people can access experts and resources that help them understand how to reduce risk on their property through actions they can take into their own hands. This includes trimming back brush, cleaning roofs and gutters, and removing debris like leafy piles. When every property in a neighborhood takes these steps, their individual homes create a large area that is less susceptible to wildfires. 

This year, 219 Chelan County residents have signed up for the program and they are halfway to their goal of 440 sign-ups.. With summer just one month away and fire season around the corner, they need more Chelan residents to take action to build community resiliency.

Why it’s good to sign up for the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program and get an evaluation?

“The Wildfire Ready Neighbors program takes the confusion out of wildfire preparedness for residents and property owners. The free, customized plan you’ll receive after signing up will help you understand all the proactive actions – from small to large steps – you can take to protect yourself and your neighbors from wildfire, and a free consultation from a wildfire expert can help assess any overlooked details on your property. Wildfires don’t stop at property lines, so when it comes to preparing for wildfire, we all must take action to build community resiliency.” said Chelan Fire District 7 Chief Brandon Asher.

Sign-up is simple: to get a free plan, participants just visit WildfireReady.com and click ‘Sign Up’. They’ll be asked to provide some basic info about their property and then they’ll receive a free Wildfire Ready Plan customized to their unique needs to get them started. Steps may include: Clearing gutters of pine needles and leaves. Removing flammable materials within 5 feet of their home. Installing metal mesh panels in the openings around their home. Pruning and thinning trees and vegetation within 5 – 200 feet of the home; and many more…

 Residents can also schedule a free consultation from a wildfire expert if they’d like an expert come out to assess their home and property.

 For several summers, Chelan County has endured bone dry and hot conditions that create tremendous wildfire risks for communities. Last summer alone, 60 fires burned more than 36,500 acres.