BRUSH PRAIRIE — As wildfire season continues across the Pacific Northwest, Clark County Fire District 3 is expanding its efforts to help residents prepare before an emergency occurs. The district recently hosted its first community wildfire preparedness presentation, an event leaders hope will become an annual tradition.
The free presentation focused on local wildfire risk, the history of significant fires in the region, preparedness strategies, and the realities of living in the Wildland Urban Interface in east Clark County. Throughout the two-hour program, attendees asked questions, shared experiences, and offered ideas for expanding the event in future years.
"We were encouraged by the level of engagement," said Fire Chief Chris Drone. "Residents asked thoughtful questions and shared ideas. This was exactly the kind of community partnership we're hoping to build."
Residents represented several neighborhoods throughout the district, including Summer Hills and Venersborg, along with neighboring fire agencies and community members from outside the district. Attendees said they learned about the event through a variety of outreach efforts, including social media, local business flyers, and Fire District 3's wildfire awareness videos.
District leaders say the inaugural event established a strong foundation they plan to build on by refining the presentation, updating local wildfire information and expanding community outreach each year.
Fire District 3 will continue sharing preparedness information throughout the summer. Residents can also request a free wildfire risk assessment from Fire District 3's defensible space specialists. The assessments provide personalized recommendations for reducing wildfire risk around homes and properties. To schedule an appointment, call 360-892-2331.
"As our community continues to grow, helping residents understand their wildfire risk and the steps they can take to reduce it remains one of our most important responsibilities," Drone said.
Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to over 49,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters respond to an average of 5,000 emergency calls a year – 72% of which are EMS-related. More information is available at www.fire3.org.
