Page 32
Methow Valley Summer 2010
S
ummertime means hot sunny weather in the Methow Valley, but it is also the season for nature’s restorative and sometimes infernal wildfire. Visitors to the valley can prepare to avoid wildfire, take precautions for it and do their part to prevent it. Residents have learned to live with it by being prepared and knowing that the local firefighting community is well prepared to protect lives and property. “If you are concerned about visibility or smoke, have no fear,” said Paula Christen, office manager at the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association. “Call up one of our information centers or look at the webcams.” “Double check to see how close it is,” said Christen. “The news reports always make it sound like the fire is downtown when it could be 50 miles away.” If you are planning a
Wildfire! By Joyce Campbell
Photo by John Hanron
Fire is dangerous, smoky and bothersome, but it does have its colorful moments. trip into the backcountry, the Wilderness or just going camping on the national forest, call ahead to see if there are fires burning in the area
you want to go, advised Jennifer Zbyszewski, recreation manager for the local ranger district. Sometimes there are area or road closures due
to fires that are not in the national news, and visitors can change plans and go to another area. If you are already here
Methow Conservancy Your local nonprofit resource for: • The free Good Neighbor Handbook & Restoring the Shrub-Steppe Handbook • Land stewardship and mapping services for any landowner • Conservation-based classes, programs, outings & more • Permanent land protection options for willing landowners
www.methowconservancy.org ~ 996-2870 Inspiring people to care for the land of the Methow Valley
in a campground and the Forest Service feels that fire is moving toward the area, “we will come and evacuate you,” said Zbyszewski. They also drive the roads looking for people who are camped along roads and try to get everybody out. “It’s very important to fill out Wilderness trail permits,” said Zbyszewski. Though not required, the free permits are the most valuable tools for the sheriff department’s search and rescue assistance when there is fire danger. “Even on a clear day and not a fire in sight, put that Wilderness permit in the little box. That is important.” Sometimes a hiker will be the first to find a fire, especially if it’s small and in the middle of nowhere, according to Zbyszewski. “If somebody sees a fire it doesn’t hurt to call in and notify the district. “We have very, very talented people and good resources for getting people out of harm’s way.” Many valley residents are trained wildland firefighters who work with the local fire district, state and forest service crews and private fire suppression contractors. Last year was a busy fire year, with about 100 starts,