Submitted by the San Juan Fire Department

After much experimental research into how homes burn down during a wildfire, the concept of the Home Ignition Zone was developed by retired Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s.

Your home’s ignition zone becomes very important in the event of a wildfire. Debris and flammable items around your home can be the reason your home burns down during a nearby wildfire. Your local fire department wants to help you recognize the fire risk around your home and in your neighborhood.

We work with the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program by providing information and manpower. WFN is funded through the Department of Natural Resources. Sign up for a home assessment online at https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/, or call our office at 360-378-5334 and direct your request to us. A SJI Fire member will call you to set up a time for your assessment. During the 45-minute assessment, we walk with you around the exterior of your home to discuss home ignition potential. We offer suggestions and will try to answer any questions. You will receive a PDF of the assessment report.

We also work with the Firewise USA program by providing information, funds and manpower to assist Firewise communities. During normal business hours, you can walk into the office to pick up informational flyers. An active Firewise USA community can request a discount on a chipper rental. An SJI Fire member can assist a community with getting started, conducting community assessments and completing the annual reports.

Wildfire Ready and Firewise are both programs that give island residents the knowledge they need to take steps to protect their homes and communities. Island residents are encouraged to request a home assessment and work together to form a wildfire-safe community.