SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department along with the Department of Natural Resources disposed of thousands of tree branches all in the name of safety.
Cleaning up yards could save both lives and property as fire season closes in. The department organized an event where people could come dispose of their branches, pine needles, and leaves. While the disposal is free, not cleaning up could have serious consequences during fire season.
"We see what's igniting out there. And this is a great opportunity to come in, limb up your trees," said Division Chief for the Spokane Valley Fire Department Ken Johnson. "You don't want anything around your house within five feet."
During a wildfire, a home is more likely to be threatened if there's flammable debris sitting around.
The event also shared educational resources about wildfire safety.
"By coming together with the fire department and Washington DNR, they're really just trying to build that sense of community and showing that we all have a part to play," said program manager for Firewise USA Megan Fitzgerald-McGowan. "By doing this annual cleanup ahead of what is the active fire season here, they're taking steps to save their home to make it more safe," Fitzgerald-McGowan said.
The community-based program focuses on keeping homes safe during wildfires.
More than 500 structures burned during the 2023 Gray and Oregon Road fires in Spokane County. Johnson hoped this event would prevent more homes from meeting that same fate.
"Every little bit helps. And if if we can make a difference on one home, that's a big help for the community," Johnson said.
The department said a good amount of people showed up for the event. They plan on holding a similar event in the fall.
Check out this link for disposal locations.
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