Fire Safety Starts with All of Us
Fire Safety Starts with All of Us
The Snoqualmie Valley is known for its forests, mountains, rivers, and outdoor recreation opportunities. These landscapes are part of what makes our communities such a special place to live, work, and visit.
This year, however, conditions are different.
Our region received less snow than normal during the winter, and warmer than average temperatures arrived early this June. Combined with the potential for dry summer weather, these conditions can increase wildfire risk throughout the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding forests.
Wildfires can start quickly and spread rapidly, threatening public safety, homes, businesses, wildlife habitat, and the natural resources that make this region unique.
The good news is that many wildfires are preventable.
Understand the Risk
Fire danger is influenced by several factors, including temperature, humidity, wind, and the amount of moisture in vegetation. When grasses, brush, and forest fuels become dry, even a small spark can ignite a wildfire.
Visitors and residents should pay close attention to changing conditions throughout the summer and fall.
Before heading outdoors, check for:
• Red Flag Warnings
• Burn bans and fire restrictions
• Air Quality Index reports
• Active wildfire maps
• Trail, campground, and recreation area closures
Conditions can change quickly, and what was safe yesterday may not be safe today.
Recreate Responsibly
Whether you are hiking, camping, biking, fishing, or exploring the outdoors, every visitor plays a role in wildfire prevention.
Follow Fire Restrictions
Always follow local, state, and federal fire regulations. If campfires are prohibited, do not build one. Fire restrictions are put in place to protect people, property, and natural resources.
Dispose of Smoking Materials Properly
Never throw cigarette butts or smoking materials onto the ground, from vehicles, or into vegetation.
Park Carefully
Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass. Hot exhaust systems and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation underneath a vehicle.
Be Prepared
Carry water, know your location, and have a plan if conditions change or evacuation notices are issued.
Report Smoke or Fire
If you see smoke or signs of a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 911.
Be Extra Cautious with Fire This Year
With lower snowpack and warmer, drier conditions arriving earlier than normal, this year’s fire season may present increased risks across the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding forests.
Visitors and residents should exercise extra caution with any open flame. Traditional wood campfires can create sparks and embers that travel beyond a fire ring and ignite dry vegetation.
When permitted, propane fire pits and camp stoves may offer a safer alternative for cooking and gathering outdoors because they do not produce the same flying embers as wood fires. However, always check current fire restrictions before using any flame source, as regulations can change throughout the season and may vary by location.
A few extra precautions today can help protect our forests, wildlife, communities, and first responders throughout the summer.
Protecting Our Communities
Wildfire safety is about more than protecting forests. It is about protecting our neighbors, our first responders, our businesses, our wildlife, and the communities we call home.
The Snoqualmie Valley has experienced firsthand how quickly emergencies can impact residents and visitors. Taking a few extra precautions today can help prevent a devastating wildfire tomorrow.
Wander Wisely During Fire Season
✔ Check conditions before you go
✔ Know current fire restrictions
✔ Respect burn bans
✔ Park only in designated areas
✔ Dispose of smoking materials properly
✔ Report smoke or fire immediately
✔ Have an emergency plan
✔ Leave no trace
The outdoors belong to all of us, and protecting them is a shared responsibility. Thank you for helping keep the Snoqualmie Valley safe during fire season and for recreating responsibly.
The best wildfire is the one that never starts. Thank you for doing your part to help protect the Snoqualmie Valley.
SnoValley Chamber of Commerce
“Strengthening Commerce Through Community”
Kelly Coughlin Games, CEO
PO Box 357
North Bend, WA 98045
425.888.6362
501.259.5652
Website: www.snovalley.org