Wildland Fire

Wildfire danger in the San Juan Islands is lower than in Eastern Washington and much of the West—but the risk is real. Many homes are surrounded by forest, grassy fields are often unmaintained, rainfall is limited in summer, and nearly all wildfires here are caused by people.

Even in low-risk years, one careless spark can do serious damage.

What Increases Fire Risk?

  • Is it Hot-Dry-Windy?

  • Homes surrounded by unmowed dry grasses and finer fuels

  • Poorly managed timberlands

  • Human activity—burn piles, fireworks, equipment use

For a general forecast, check the National Interagency Fire Center’s 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Map.

Most Fires Are Preventable

Nearly every wildfire in the islands starts with human negligence:

  • Unattended or poorly extinguished campfires

  • Brush pile burns during a burn ban

  • Fireworks

  • Sparks from mowers, chainsaws, or vehicles in dry grass

Be especially cautious during burn bans or high fire danger days. If you see smoke or an illegal fire, report it to San Juan County Dispatch at 360-378-4151.

Defend Your Home

Start by creating a defensible space around your house and outbuildings. Fire-resistant landscaping and regular maintenance can make the difference between damage and survival. Go to wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov and sign up for a free home inspection.

Before Fire Season:

  • Maintain a 30-foot buffer around your home

  • Clean gutters and roofs of dry leaves

  • Trim branches away from the roofline

  • Clear flammable vegetation under decks and near structures

  • Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your house

  • Store flammable materials in safety containers

  • Screen attic and crawl space vents with fine mesh

  • Use noncombustible materials when building or replacing siding, roofing, and decking

  • Install and test smoke alarms

  • Keep basic fire tools (shovel, hose, rake, saw) handy

→ Learn more at firewise.org

While Working Outdoors

  • Avoid sparks, hot metal, and metal-blade tools (that can spark when they hit a rock) in dry grass.

  • Don't park cars in tall grass

  • Extinguish cigarettes properly

  • Only burn when permitted—and stay with the fire until it’s cold

  • Keep a hose or water supply nearby during any outdoor work that could spark

Local Help is Available

Your local fire department and the San Juan Islands Conservation District may offer site visits to walk you through wildfire prep specific to your property. They can help you understand defensible space, safe landscaping, and evacuation planning.

Contact them directly, or sign up HERE —when they’re not responding to an emergency, they’re usually happy to help.

When Fire Threatens

If a fire is nearby or conditions escalate:

Get Ready:

  • Get familiar with Evacuation Level terminology

  • Close windows, vents, and doors

  • Shut off propane or natural gas

  • Move flammable furniture away from windows

  • Place sprinklers on the roof if safe

  • Gather your go-bag and fire tools

  • Confine pets to one room or a travel crate

Stay Informed:

  • Monitor radio, scanner, or official channels

  • Don’t wait for an official evacuation order—use judgment

  • If it feels unsafe, leave early

If You Leave:

  • Back car into the driveway, leave keys in ignition

  • Leave doors unlocked and a note on the door with your destination

  • Wear protective clothing (sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeves, gloves, mask or cloth)

Evacuation Tips

  • Take your disaster kit, ID, and important documents

  • Choose a route away from fire and smoke

  • Let someone know where you’re going and when you left

  • Lock your home

Island Risks

Disasters look different on the islands. Ferries stop running. Help may take days. These are the five scenarios most likely to affect us here. Each one has its own challenges—and its own game plan.

Learn what to expect and how to prepare.

Earthquakes &
Tsunamis

The islands sit near a major fault line. When the ground shakes, communications may go down and ferry service could be disrupted for weeks.

Winter Storms

High winds and heavy snow can knock out power, block roads, and isolate communities. Make sure your home—and your neighborhood—can ride it out.

Oil Spills

A spill in local waters could affect drinking water, beaches, wildlife, and air quality. Learn what to watch for and what to do if it happens.

Health Crisis

Pandemics, smoke events, and contaminated water supplies can all hit fast and spread wide. Know how to stay informed, reduce risk, and support each other.

Wildland Fires

Wildfire risk is growing every year. Evacuation routes are limited, and resources are spread thin. Preparation starts with your home—and your street.