By Gordon Williams  

Washington State, with more than 20 million acres of wildland, faces the risk of wildfires every summer. But this summer, the fire risk could be unusually high. In fact, the National Interagency Coordinating Center (NICC) warns that the fire risk will be extreme throughout the entire Pacific Northwest. 

What, you may ask, is the NICC and why should we listen to their forecasts? Based in Boise ID, it tracks wildfires throughout the U.S. and coordinates the response to fires nationwide. Since Washington is wildfire country, the forecast of a severe fire risk ahead is obviously worrisome. Even if you’re not near a wildfire, the smoke from fires far away can make you sick.   

So what can you do to make it through this year’s wildfire season in good shape?   

First of all, listen closely to all warnings of wildfires even if they are not in your backyard. Watch local weather forecasts for red flag days — dry and windy conditions that make the fire risk near you high. When authorities ban outdoor fires in your locale, it means the wildfire risk is high.  

Next, follow the advice below from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on how to make it through a dose of wildfire smoke. The trick is preparing in advance so as little wildfire smoke as possible reaches your lungs.  

Finally, learn more about the American Red Cross Wildfire Preparedness Program — a national effort to teach individuals how to prevent wildfires. The Red Cross and local firefighters tested the program recently in a pilot run in Chelan County WA. The results were impressive.  

If you live near the wilderness, prepare to defend against fire with the need to evacuate or shelter in place until the fire is contained. Even if fire is not a direct threat, the summer still is likely to see periods of dangerous smoke filling the skies over Washington. If you face a real fire threat, do what you can to defend your house and grounds against that threat. You can do a lot to protect against fire by establishing a 100-foot defensible perimeter around your house, clearing out anything that could burn from within the perimeter.   

Remove anything flammable from within five feet of the house — trash, woodpiles, compost heap.  Farther out, clear out low-lying shrubbery that might help fire climb into tree crowns. Trim grass to under four inches. Trim all branches that are within 10 feet of the ground and space all trees at least 10 feet apart. Break up lawns with gravel paths to serve as firebreaks.   

Prepare to evacuate or shelter in place if a fire breaks out. Have two weeks worth of supplies on hand — water, non-perishable food, sanitary needs, and the like to sustain you if you must stay indoors for a time. Have a go-bag ready in case you must evacuate. You want changes of clothing, sanitary supplies, a flashlight and battery-powered radio plus extra batteries, copies of important papers and medical prescriptions. Take charging gear for all your electronic devices. Take some cash with you, since ATM machines may not be working.   

Every fire throws off smoke that is a mix of noxious fumes and abrasive sub-microscopic particles. The CDC warns that wildfire smoke can produce symptoms ranging from stinging eyes to difficulty breathing to asthma attacks. Risky as wildfire smoke is, it is nearly impossible to avoid during summer-time wildfire season.   

Fortunately, there is plenty you can reduce to minimize the risks of wildfire smoke..You can heed warnings that smoke is building up to dangerous levels. Your local weather forecast will warn of lowered visibility because of wildfire smoke. Your local health department will issue alerts as smoke covers the region. Your nose and eyes will alert you to danger. Once you have been warned, do all you can to minimize your risk.  

Here’s what the CDC says about staying healthy in a smoky environment: 

—If authorities tell you to go inside and stay there, do so. Venture out as little as possible until the stay-home order is lifted. 

—Shut windows and doors to keep smoke out. If it is too hot to stay buttoned up inside, check with local authorities on what public shelters are available. 

—If you have an air conditioner, run it, but keep the fresh air intake closed and keep the filter clean. 

—Run an indoor air purifier if you have one. They sell for under $100 and would be a good investment if you live in an area where wildfire smoke is a frequent threat. You can make your own purifier by putting furnace air filters on the front and back sides of a box fan. Use duct tape or bungee cords to hold the filters in place,  

—Don't add to indoor pollution by lighting candles in the house, Don’t light the fireplace, even if it gets a bit chilly at night. 

—Cook as little as possible and use the oven sparingly.

—Don’t rely on paper face masks to keep you safe from wildfire smoke.  

—Consult with your doctor about other things you should do when wildfire smoke is thick. That’s particularly true if you have asthma, COPD, emphysema or serious heart issues.  

Finally, keep watch for the Red Cross Wildfire Prevention Program expanding in future seasons. It’s still in the pilot stage but will be implemented in more Red Cross areas. Find out more by inquiring with your local Red Cross chapter.