Firewise

We respond to wildland fires every year within our district. While we've been fortunate to contain them quickly, conditions are changing. According to the 2025 San Juan County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 78% of structures in the county are in areas where they could be ignited by adjacent vegetation or flying embers.

The best defense for your home starts with you.

Protect Your Home Before Fire Strikes

Firewise USA is a national program that helps homeowners create defensible space around their property. Simple actions—clearing brush, trimming branches, choosing fire-resistant landscaping—can make the difference between a home that survives and one that doesn't.

San Juan County has 33 Firewise communities—more than half of Washington state's total. Is your neighborhood one of them?

Firewise communities on San Juan Island (shown in green)

Get a Free Home Evaluation

Not sure where to start? Our team will visit your property and assess your wildfire risk at no cost. We'll show you exactly what steps will have the biggest impact for your specific situation. This service is available to all island residents—you don't need to be part of a Firewise community.

Start a Firewise Community

Ready to get your neighborhood involved? Starting a Firewise community is straightforward:

  1. Gather your neighbors — Find others who want to participate
  2. Complete a risk assessment — We'll help you evaluate your area
  3. Create an action plan — Set achievable goals for the year
  4. Track your progress — One annual meeting and a simple online report

We'll guide you through every step. Many communities coordinate group projects like hiring arborists for driveway clearance or organizing brush cleanup days. Contact us to get started.

Learn More