Recent wildfires have raged across the west coast burning wildlife, destroying property and polluting the air with smoke. According to a tweet from the Northwest Coordination Center on Aug. 23, “22 active large wildfires have affected more than 459,000 acres of forest, brush and grassland in OR and WA. Over 8,900 firefighters and support personnel are assigned.”
Clark County Fire Chief John Nohr said, “I think we’d have to take a look at long-term historical data, but I will say that this year is shaping up to be busier than last year and last year was much busier than 2016.”
Although not necessarily a recent phenomenon, Nohr stated, “The acreage burned has really increased but then some of the fires are showing to be pretty intense.”
Nohr wanted to remind the public to be prepared. “Know that a wildfire can occur right here in a suburban setting,” he said.
Nohr also highlighted the importance of having fire-safe practices, especially during fire season. A few examples he used included safely putting out all cigarettes and discarding them in a fireproof container. If grilling with charcoal Nohr said to stay on concrete or sand and when using a recreational fire pit avoid having it on a wooden deck.
According to the Fire Chief, various people ranging from college students, people seeking summer employment and those simply inspired to do a public service participate either as volunteer or paid firefighters. For those considering volunteering as a firefighter, Nohr encourages good physical conditioning. He said to prepare for 14-day deployments, anticipate working night shifts and expect a lot of hard work.
It is no surprise that wildfires have a massive impact on the environment. Elaborating on this Nohr said, “[Wildfires] strip the land of the vegetation whose roots hold the ground in place.”
He added that since Washington is a rainy area, when the rain comes back the vegetation does not absorb it and that can eventually result in erosion or landslides.
According to Nohr, a wildfire that travels into neighborhoods evaporates structural materials such as tar, plastics and chemicals into the air. Smoke from wildfires causes poor air quality conditions that are hard on the lungs, especially for those with preexisting lung conditions.
“Take it easy for a couple of days. Don’t exercise outdoors,” Nohr said, in reference to the poor air quality conditions from the neighboring wildfires.
Ultimately, Fire Chief Nohr emphasized that wildfires can impact anyone, even in the suburbs.
“Be prepared,” he said.
Anna Nelson is the Editor in Chief for the VanCougar. She is a senior and is studying strategic communications.