hazard identification and vulnerability analysis - Mason County

topography, the time of year, the past weather conditions, and if there is human
activity such as debris burning, camping, etc., which are taking place.
Conclusions
The following steps should be accomplished to preclude major loss of life and
reduce the actual number of fires and hazard areas:
• Since the majority of fires are started by humans, fire prevention education
and enforcement programs can significantly reduce the number of human
started fires.
• An effective early fire detection program and emergency communications
system are essential. The importance of immediately reporting any forest
fire must be impressed upon local residents and people utilizing the forest
areas.
• An effective warning system is essential to notify local inhabitants and
visitors in the area of the fire. An evacuation plan detailing primary and
alternative escape routes is also essential.
• Fire-safe development planning by County and City government planners
is essential.
• Encourage citizens to incorporate defensible space planning when
landscaping their property.
• Road criteria should ensure adequate escape routes for new sections of
development in forest areas with both ingress and egress planned.
• Road closures should be increased during peak fire periods to reduce the
access to fire prone areas.
Resources
National Weather Service
USDA Forest Service
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Washington State Patrol, Fire Protection Bureau
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