EDITORIAL: Take action now before fire season really begins

Recent reports from Northern Lakes Fire District show North Idaho already experiencing more wildfires than this time last year, despite some rainfall. With precipitation levels well below average, our community faces heightened risk as we enter the summer months.

Staff at the fire district are educating youngsters about fire risks, so we thought we’d share a few simple tasks that you can do now that will help in case a fire does break out.  

Here's what you can do right now to protect your home and family.

Create defensible space. Clear a 30-foot perimeter around your home of dry vegetation, fallen leaves, pine needles and firewood. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or within 10 feet of chimneys. This single action dramatically increases your home's chances of surviving a wildfire.

Update or create your family evacuation plan. Map at least two exit routes from your neighborhood, prepare a go-bag with essentials (medications, important documents, basic supplies), and establish a family meeting point. Practice the plan once before fire season intensifies. 

Respect current burn restrictions. Open burning closed May 10 and remains restricted through Oct. 20. For any permitted burning activities, obtain the required free permit at burnpermits.idaho.gov and follow all safety protocols. 

Attend the Living in Wildfire Country event. Mark your calendar for June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athol Community Center. This free event offers practical advice from fire and forestry experts tailored specifically to our region's challenges. 

Start conversations with neighbors. Wildfire defense works best when entire neighborhoods participate. Share what you're doing and consider organizing a community work day to help elderly or disabled neighbors with their preparations. 

Taking these concrete steps now, before smoke appears on the horizon, gives you the best chance of protecting what matters most. Let's translate awareness into action and make wildfire preparedness a priority throughout our community.