Washington County residents can make their voices heard in the fight against wildfires. The Washington County Emergency Management is partnering with Bintel Inc. and the Oregon State Fire Marshall to revamp the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which is central to the region's defense against the flames. Given the increasing incidence of wildfires, this plan aims to be a collective shield, protecting homes, lives, and ecosystems, as per Washington County.
The scope of the CWPP is broad and encompassing; it includes assessments of fire history, behavior, and probabilities within the county. Moreover, the plan provides recommendations on wildfire mitigation, strategies to protect the home ignition zone, and insights into firefighting capabilities. It details potential evacuation routes – information that could become a lifeline in times of crisis. To enrich this plan, local insights are indispensable. Hence, a survey has been opened to the public. It’s a way for the planning team to grasp the community's perceptions of wildfire risks, current landowner mitigation practices, and attitudes toward evacuation planning.
Engagement with this survey isn't a heavy lift – requiring just 5-10 minutes to complete. Yet, its impacts could stretch across the years, shaping a safer future for all in Washington County. Indeed, the survey response deadline is May 31, cementing a plan that will hold far-reaching consequences for wildfire preparedness.
Questions about the project or its objectives can be directed to Scott Porter, presumably the man at the helm of this initiative. He can be reached at [email protected] for more information.
