Wildland Fire and Firewise Communities

Fire is an essential process in the forest ecosystems of the Inland Northwest. Many species and ecosystems have evolved with, are adapted to, and depend on natural fire. Likewise these ecosystems and species have developed strategies for recovering from wildland fire. The Lands Council supports management actions that recognize the role of natural fire in our fire-adapted ecosystems.

However, people living, working, and recreating within and adjacent to forests are concerned about wildfire and its effects on communities and property. In order for people to coexist safely in fire dependent ecosystems, The Lands Council supports fostering firewise communities, to reduce risks by assisting landowners in reducing the ignitability of structures, as well as carefully applied mechanical fuel reduction and prescribed fire.

The Lands Council helps to shape projects that efficiently reduce risks of wildfire on communities and property by involvement in collaborative and other public processes that develop such projects. We believe it is important to focus resources and most activities in the areas closely adjacent to private lands.

Click here to learn more about firewise communities and what landowners can do to minimize their risks in case of wildfire.

Click here to find out about how The Lands Council's recent lawsuit on a national forest in Idaho sets an important precedent for restoring wildland fire.

For more information on wildland fire or firewise communities, contact our Forest Policy Director, Jeff Juel at (509) 209-2401, or at jjuel@landscouncil.org.