Submitted by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue

The San Juan Island fire department is proud to announce the 2018 Firewise Communities Fuel Reduction program. The 2018 program, which runs from April 1 through May 31, is open to existing and newly formed Firewise Communities.

The department, supported in part by the national Firewise Communities program, will pay one half of the rental fee for a day’s use of a chipper from Harbor Rental. Residents of each community will be responsible for picking up and returning the chipper, its safe operation and for fuel or other associated costs.

Maintaining a Firewise Community is a team effort. As many residents as possible should participate, as it makes the work much easier. Their effort, including the number of participants and hours contributed, should be included in the annual renewal report. To schedule the use of a chipper, the community’s resident leader should contact Firewise Specialist Jon Zerby at 360-378-5419.

The specialists set aside May 5, Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, to offer free property evaluations. They will assess the wildfire danger to your home and provide specific steps you may take to reduce the chance your home might catch fire in the event of a wildfire and to create a safer environment for firefighters. To schedule an evaluation, call Ron Garner at 360-378-7722.