SPOKANE, Wash. — A single spark has the potential to ignite a devastating wildfire on Spokane’s South Hill bluff, and the city is taking action to reduce that risk with a major prevention project starting next week.
The bluff is filled with dry twigs, branches and plants around trees. A single flame can ignite this brush in just seconds. Starting next week, the city will have crews with chainsaws and wood chippers clearing away this brush to keep the forest and people who live nearby safe.
The city will send in contracted crews to do work that will reduce the risk of fire on 200 acres of the bluff. Their work is funded by a federal grant.
Heather Villa, who grew up and lives on the bluff, knows the area well and supports the prevention efforts.
“It’s one of the precious jewels up here for sure. That bluff,” Villa said. “We want to make sure that it’s safe.”
Villa is pleased with the city’s involvement in the project.
“I think it’s awesome to see the city backing and giving them some support,” she said. “It’s a good thing to care for this land up here. I think that the wild parts that we have are so precious.”
A non-profit group known as Friends of the Bluff has worked to clear the hillside of dry brush and sticks that can fuel a wildfire, but they can only do so much.
Laura Ackerman, president of Friends of the Bluff, said the area faces significant fire risk.
“The bluff is very vulnerable to fire,” Ackerman said. “We’ve had the driest summer on record, and you can see that it has impacted the bluff.”
The workers will mulch and chip brush on the ground while increasing space between the trees. Work starts October 1 and will run seven days a week through mid-winter.
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