Tunnel 5 post-fire resources and general wildfire links
POST-FIRE RESOURCES and GENERAL WILDFIRE LINKS
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For the latest on our mobile chipper program, which we expect to re-activate in September and through this fall, see this page.
For general queries, see details below; or email fire@ucdwa.org or call 509-493-1936.
POST-FIRE RESOURCES
UCD is pulling together resources for Underwood residents affected by July’s Tunnel 5 fire. This is a new area of work for us, but we expect to have some projects and programs developing in the weeks to come. If you have specific post-fire natural resources needs — what trees to plant, perhaps – reach out by email (fire@ucdwa.org), or by calling 509-637-7003. Let us know if you are interested in participating in a tree/shrub re-planting project this fall, along with basic details about your address, contact information, and approximate property size (for planting).
Meanwhile, here is a good informational brochure from Stevens County CD that might be a useful start.
“After the Fire-Washington” is a webpage with a number of technical resources, guides, and such. Some of these are for landowners, some for local governments.
The California Native Plant Society has published a fairly comprehensive “Fire Recovery Guide” for landowners.
Here are some additional links and resources to explore through Washington Fire Adapted Communities (WFAC) and others:
PRE-FIRE DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Hardening the home against embers and reducing easily-ignitable things on and around the home is the heart of mitigating one’s wildfire hazards.
For a (free) wildfire home evaluation [this is not for wildfire recovery – it’s for lowering future wildfire hazards], email or call the numbers at the top of the page. A home evaluation is advisory only, doesn’t obligate you to take any particular action, and takes generally 30-60 minutes, depending on the property size and condition. (This service is available outside of Underwood, too.)
The following links go to various web sites addressing ways to lower wildfire ignition risks to a home, create fire-resistant landscaping, and related topics.
“Preparing Homes for Wildfire” – information and brochure on basic “Firewise” principles, and a checklist to use around your home.
“Keeping Your Home and Property Safe From Wildfire” – a more in-depth booklet, quite good, from Oregon State University.
“Fire-resistant Plants for Eastern Washington” – from Washington’s Dept of Natural Resources
“Fire-resistant Plants for Home Landscapes” – from Oregon State University.
“Beware of arborvitae plant torches” – a short brochure with alternatives to the super-flammable arborvitae and juniper hedges so common as landscaping plants.
“Wildlife and wildfire-resilient forests” – an excellent short YouTube video from DNR forester Ken Bevis, highly recommended for anyone with an acre or more of forested property.