Residents must be prepared for a forest fire

Letter to the Editor,

On June 4 our county commissioners signed a resolution declaring the first week of June as wildfire awareness week. This is not the first resolution they have signed regarding wildfire awareness week, so what makes this year so different?

Well, this year the big deal is that this resolution focuses on what to do when that wildfire actually happens. The resolution was signed by every fire chief in Lincoln County, Emergency Management and our sheriff’s department indicating the importance they put on this new emphasis.  

In the past you have heard constant reminders about the need to FireWise around your house. Not that this message isn’t still very important, but this year we are expanding our message to not only FireWise around your house, but to be prepared to evacuate when the sheriff’s department gives you the warning or in the event of a threatening wildfire. This new direction is called the Ready-Set-Go Program.  

The “Ready” starts out with the basic preparation of your property for a wildfire and includes an action plan. Have you thought of where you might go if you need to evacuate, what route you might take, what you would do with your animals, what should you take with you? And of course, when you do evacuate, does your home have a reasonable chance of surviving?  

Next comes the “Set” part of the program where you need to have a situational awareness any time a wildfire starts. Have you monitored fire weather conditions and the fire status? Do you have your emergency supply kit ready? Are you ready to turn off your propane, cover your vents, back your car into the driveway for a quick exit, etc.?

The “Go” means you leave early thus giving your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. Our sheriff’s department has been working closely with all of our fire departments and Emergency Management in mapping evacuation routes and emergency procedures. Remember, our fire suppression agencies and fire departments have limited resources and will not put firefighters in harm’s way to simply save a structure. You have the responsibility of making sure they don’t have to jeopardize themselves, because you didn’t do your part.

For further information, and a free FireWise assessment, contact your local fire department.

Ed Levert,

Lincoln County Forster