Spokane County Fire District 8 - To Protect, Serve and Educate

Fire Safety / Education

Spokane County Fire District 8 is dedicated to providing education to the public on the prevention of fires and fire safety awareness.

There are ways you can protect your home in the event of a wildfire and be prepared for disaster:

Recognize the Hazard. Fire is a natural part of our environment. Fire is a normal part of our eco-system. Many people choose to live in or adjacent to forest land. Understand the steps you can take to create a fire safe environment, making it safer to live, work, and play.

Create a Defensible Space. Clearing flammable materials from around your home creates a defensible space. A minimum 30-foot buffer reduces the chance of wildfire from spreading to your home. On steeper ground, as much as 100 feet of clearance may be necessary.

Reduce Flammables and Prune. A key step to creating a defensible space is removing dry grass, brush, dead leaves and pine needles. Replace highly flammable plants with fire resistive, high moisture content varieties. Remove or thin overcrowded or weakened trees. Prune low-hanging branches to keep a ground fire from climbing into upper branches. Stack wood, construction debris, and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from your home.

Be Accessible. Make sure firefighters can find you. Have your address visible and easy to read. Your driveway needs to be wide enough for emergency vehicles to safely pass and turn around at your home. Driveways should be trimmed of vegetation to allow emergency equipment to reach you.

Rate Your Roof. Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your house in a wildfire. If you have a wood shake rood consider treatment or replacement with a fire resistive material.

Be Prepared for Wildfire. Your home must have smoke detectors and should have fire extinguishers. Keep garden tools like rakes, hoses and shovels easily accessible. Make sure everyone in your home knows where this equipment is, and how to call for help in the event of an emergency. Create an emergency and disaster plan for your family.

In Addition: Take personal responsibility for disaster; take Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) Training; develop a Neighborhood Emergency Response Plan.

Additional Resources:

Tips:

Check your smoke detectors

Have an escape plan

Designate a meeting place for your family

Have a fire extinguisher in your home

Tune to local radio and television stations during emergency situations

Evacuate if you are told to do so by authorities

Plan ahead for the care for your pets and livestock

In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Have a sound Fire Escape Plan...