SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management is asking residents to weigh in on wildfire preparedness through a new survey that will help inform its planning for the future. It will remain open into November.
"The wild areas of Snohomish County are part of what makes this such a remarkable place to live, but we cannot ignore the growing risk of wildfire where our communities and forests meet,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said in a release issued by the county. “I hope people will take time to fill out this survey so we as a County can better understand and prepare for that risk.”
Results will be used to help inform a planning effort to analyze wildfire protection needs and strategies, according to the county. Other research has confirmed that more than 15% of the county's population live in what's called the "wildland urban interface." That includes areas where human homes and businesses intermingle with fire fuels.
King County, too, has zeroed in on the interfaces - sometimes abbreviated as "WUI"s - as areas of concern to plan for.
The survey is meant to evaluate levels of wildfire preparedness in different communities, examine awareness regarding evacuation routes, and assess insurance coverage, among other priorities, according to the county.
PAWS recently opened its new wildlife rehabilitation center in Snohomish. It is prepared for the potential of more animals impacted by wildfires needing help in the future.
"It's possible animals may be shifting home ranges, moving distributions around the state, or suffering downstream health effects from air quality," said PAWS Wildlife Naturalist Anthony Denise. "We're just trying to be prepared for anything and everything that nature can throw our way."
He urges people to use caution throughout fire season to ensure wildlands remain safe for the animals that call them home.
"We love what we do, we're proud to rehabilitate animals, but we can't do what we do if the animals don't have a place to go after," Denise said. "So we want everyone to follow regulations around fire and be respectful about recreating in the wilderness in the summer and make sure they're being responsible stewards of the land."