Smoke-filled skies in recent weeks have been a stark reminder of the all too real danger of wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.

Although many associate the occurrence of wildfires with eastern Washington and Oregon, according to the Clallam County Hazard Mitigation Plan Review, Sequim is a high risk wildfire area and Port Angeles is a moderate risk area.

Furthermore, Clallam County compared to all other Washington counties has the highest risk of catastrophic losses in the event of a major wildfire because of homes built within the “wildland-urban interface.”

Consecutive dry summers and higher than normal temperatures mixed with wind and low humidity have made this wildfire season particularly worrisome.

What can local residents do to help? Here are some “lean, clean and green” landscaping practices that can prevent the spread of wildfires and protect your home and family if a fire does occur.

Create a defensible space around the home. Keep the area within 30 feet of your home clear of highly flammable plants, such as most evergreen trees, junipers, lavender and rosemary.

When designing your landscape, plant trees furthest from your house, shrubs a bit closer, and flowers or lawn nearest to the house.

Strategically space plants to resist the spread of fire. Adequate spacing depends on the height of the plants and slope of the ground. See www.firesafemarin.org/landscaping for recommendations.

Consider putting a 3 to 5-foot wide swath of gravel around the base of your home to create a non-combustible, defensible zone.

Make sure your address is clearly displayed near your house and that there is ample ingress and egress to your property so that fire-fighters can gain access if an emergency occurs.

Use fire-resistant plants. There is no such thing as a “fire-proof plant” but those with a high moisture content, little or no seasonal accumulation of dead vegetation, an open branching pattern, fewer leaves and a non-resinous sap will be more resistant to fire. Junipers, pines, spruces and firs are resinous and highly flammable.

Maintain your landscape to help deter the spread of fire. Remove dead vegetation and debris from around structures and under decks. Rake leaves from under plants, especially conifers because they shed many needles that will burn quite easily if dry!

Prune out dead branches and limbs from trees, shrubs and ground covers. Remove the lower branches of trees (10 feet or less from the ground) and trim back or remove shrubs that are under trees to keep fire from spreading up into a tree from below (what is called the “fire ladder” effect).

Remove all tree limbs that hang over the roof. Keep your roof cleared of twigs, dried leaves and needles.

Routinely irrigate plants within 30 feet of your home. Well-watered plants are not only healthier but will resist burning.

Use fire-resistant mulches. Gravel, stone and pebbles (as opposed to organic mulches like bark and straw) can provide fire protection near buildings. Fine organic mulch burns more quickly than large chunks.

Stack firewood well away from structures. Remove weeds and debris from around propane tanks and structures where petroleum products are stored.

Take care when using flame weeders and equipment with power engines that get hot with use. Do not park vehicles where there is dry grass or leaves; do not set hot tools on dry grass or leaves; and allow power engines to cool before refueling.

Although the return of rain will markedly decrease the risk of wildfires in our area, steps taken now will make your landscape fire-safe for next year.

Visit the Clallam Conservation District website for additional fire-wise ideas at clallamcd.org.

Jeanette Stehr-Green and Judy English are WSU-certified Clallam County Master Gardeners.