Looking north towards Gore Road chicken farm fire from Toledo area on Aug. 19, 2015. / Courtesy photo
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Each year, wildland fires consume homes built in or near lands prone to such fires.
But, there are actions residents can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
The Lewis County Fire Chiefs Association is conducting town hall style meetings to share information with area residents about strategies to defend their property from the threat of wildfires.
The public is invited this Wednesday evening to the Baw Faw Grange in the Boistfort Valley for such a gathering.
Lewis County Fire District 13 Chief Gwen Turner says everyone is encouraged to show up.
“First 100 in attendance will be served a dinner provided by the Baw Faw Grange, Boistfort Emergency Assistance Group and Boistfort Firefighters Association,” Turner states.
The fire chiefs note studies show that as many as 80 percent of homes lost to wildland fire may have been saved if brush around the homes were cleared and defensible space created around structures.
Chehalis Fire Department Chief Ken Cardinale said last week’s meeting at the Lincoln Creek Grange went well. A similar presentation is scheduled for central Lewis County inhabitants in Salkum on June 18, according to Cardinale.
There is no better time than now to prepare and educate your family, friends and neighbors, according to Turner.
The Baw Faw Grange is located at 995 Boistfort Road. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter