SPOKANE, Wash. — As dangerous wildfire conditions continue to sweep across the region, there are a few crucial steps you can take to keep your home and family safe during fire season.
On Wednesday, Spokane Fire District 8 said the department was on high alert and increased staffing due to high winds and dry conditions.
“We staffed an extra brush truck just because of the weather coming in,” said SCFD8 Division Chief Marty Long.
The potential for rapid fire spread has emergency responders concerned, particularly in areas like the South Hill where homes and businesses sit surrounded by dry vegetation that can fuel flames.
RELATED COVERAGE: Firefighters put out 15 suspected arson fires in Spokane over the past two days
“If a fire should start today it’s going to get big before we can get our arms around it and get it stopped,” Long said. “It’s definitely worrisome.”
Fire officials warned that Wednesday’s weather conditions could propel a fire out of control within minutes, making prevention efforts critical for homeowners.
Casey Eason, owner of plant shop Barn & Blossom and a former wildland firefighter, said preparation is key. He regularly prunes branches, clears dry debris, and removes trees around his home and business.
“You can look around in this neighborhood and imagine if there’s a fire, it’s going to spread very fast,” Eason said.
Eason recommends creating substantial defensible space around homes and buildings.
“If you’re concerned about fire, or creating space around your home, more is more. Take a lot of it out and leave it more like a park, like Comstock Park,” he said.
The strategy focuses on reducing fuel sources that embers can ignite. During windy conditions like those forecast Wednesday, burning embers can travel over a mile beyond the main fire line, potentially starting new fires far from the original blaze.
Fire safety experts recommend several key steps for homeowners:
Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Clear all leaves, pine needles and debris from roofs and gutters. These materials can easily ignite from wind-blown embers.
Structural Repairs: Fix loose shingles, windows and screens that could allow embers to enter the home.
Defensible Space: Remove flammable materials from around the home, including firewood, propane tanks and outdoor furniture. Create a buffer zone by pruning vegetation and removing dead plants.
Landscaping Modifications: Maintain vegetation like a park setting rather than allowing dense, dry growth near structures.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
