Community Wildfire Protection Plan ready for review
We’re now seeking public comment on a first-ever plan to help people and businesses across Snohomish County better adapt to wildfire risks.
The draft Snohomish County Community Wildfire Protection Plan contains dozens of recommended strategies for improving forest health and enhancing wildfire preparedness.
It represents nearly two years’ work by a team that included area firefighters, state and federal agencies, local tribes, nonprofits, residents, landowners and Emergency Management staff.
“This draft document is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort over the last 20 months that included 50 planning partners, over 1,000 public comments, and feedback at two open houses,” said Lucia Schmit, the County’s director of Emergency Management. “The last step in this process before we send it to the state for review is for the residents to take a look and let us know if they have any concerns. We hope they will take the time.”
The wildfire protection plan is available for review online at www.bit.ly/SnoCo_CWPP.
Public comment is being accepted through July 30 using this survey form: www.bit.ly/Comment_SnoCo_CWPP.
You can also email comments and questions to [email protected].
Work on the plan identified areas in the county where houses, farms and businesses mix in with forestlands. Roughly 130,000 people now call these spaces home – more than 15% of the county’s population.
The plan provides a framework for ensuring coordinated wildfire mitigation, preparedness, evacuation, post-fire recovery, and outreach efforts. Among the recommendations are guidelines for projects to reduce the brush and other woody fuels that can prime forestlands for destructive fires and improved access to information about making homes and property more fire-resistant.
“I want to thank all the partners who have been involved in this important planning effort to help us better understand and prepare for the increasing risk of wildfire in our county,” County Executive Dave Somers said. “I encourage people who live in Snohomish County to take some time and look over the plan and provide feedback. More importantly, I urge them to learn more about potential wildfire risk where they live and about the actions we all can take to keep ourselves, our families and our community safe.”
 Click image to access the plan.
Snohomish County is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan and needs your help.
- What are the hazards in your community?
- What hazards concern you the most?
- What activities and projects should be prioritized?
Help us update the plan with your input. Please complete an online survey: https://bit.ly/snoco_hazard_survey
 Click image to take hazard survey.
Climate change is already affecting Snohomish County — from stronger storms to hotter, drier summers. The county is inviting community members like you to learn about the top local climate impacts and share your priorities for how we can better protect our communities, businesses, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Join Snohomish County for a Climate Resilience Open House!
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When: Wednesday, July 30
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Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
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Where: Student Center at Mariner High School (200 120th St SW, Everett, WA 98204)
Snacks and refreshments provided. Youth and children are welcome!
Snohomish County is developing a Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan (CwCRP) to make sure that we are prepared for a changing climate.
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