Wildfire Ready Plan expands home defense in Thurston County 

Thurston County’s push for wildfire readiness now includes free consultations and fire prevention plans for households, as part of a statewide program with thousands of users. 

The Wildfire Ready Neighbors Program was developed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In Thurston County, it is being implemented in coordination with the Thurston Conservation District (TCD), the county’s emergency management office, and both the West Thurston and Southeast Thurston fire departments. 

Residents follow a three-step process: complete a brief online form, receive a customized Wildfire Ready Plan for their property, and optionally schedule a site visit with a wildfire mitigation specialist. 

According to DNR’s latest count, the program has reached 6,838 participants statewide, with 3,820 home visit requests and 34,920 actions pledged. 

Although the mentioned figures reflect participation across counties, partner agencies in the county have increased outreach ahead of the wildfire season. 

As part of Thurston County's fire prevention planning efforts, the TCD also released a new South Thurston Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which is open for public comment through June 30. 

The draft revealed fire threats in Tenino, Bucoda, Grand Mound and parts of Rainier. It also backs programs like Wildfire Ready Neighbors by flagging hazard zones and aligning strategies with fire districts and state agencies. 

To reinforce home prevention, the DNR advises the establishment of a Wildfire Ready Plan.  

The plan is a “realistic and doable” road map that lays out actions homeowners can take to cut wildfire risks around their property. It also stresses the essence of keeping a “defensible space” cleared of brush and flammable debris around homes, sheds and fences in order to slow the movement of wildfire. 

DNR recommends a 100-foot buffer, depending on slope, wind conditions and surrounding land use. During consultations, wildfire specialists assess areas zone by zone and advise residents on what to clear, trim or relocate to reduce ignition risk. 

Residents are advised to manage their property in “priority zones,” beginning near the home and expanding outward with actions tailored to each zone. 

The program applies to urban, suburban and rural homes. 

DNR states that Wildfire Ready Plans are designed to match a property’s “budget, layout, and lifestyle,” and even small changes, like moving firewood off a porch or clearing gutters, can reduce risk. 

All services are free, and funding is made possible through state wildfire prevention programs and community resilience grants. 

In Thurston County, wildfire risk varies across wooded, agricultural and suburban areas, but DNR warns no home is protected without preparation. 

The Wildfire Ready Neighbors Program began in pilot counties and has since expanded across much of Washington, as part of DNR’s strategy to reduce human-caused fires and home losses in the wildland-urban interface, including areas like Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, and parts of Rochester and Tumwater. 

To participate, residents may call 1-877-WA-READY, email, or visit the official Wildfire Ready Neighbors page. Once enrolled, residents receive a personalized plan and may request an on-site evaluation.