Mirrormont’s Firewise Program
As wildfires began to be of concern in Western Washington in 2015, the MCA formed a Firewise Committee, which worked with King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to develop a 51-page Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Mirrormont (click to view) and become an official Firewise USA® community: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA/Become-a-Firewise-USA-site
In June 2023, the 2015 document was updated to the Mirrormont Community Wildfire Risk Assessment (click to view pdf). It contains KCD’s assessment of our community’s wildfire preparedness, background and educational information to augment the 2015 document, and a 5-year Firewise Action Plan.
We had a smoky taste of wildfire hazards in Western Washington during the summer of 2020, bringing more awareness to our community’s risk. And during the Heat Dome in June 2021, the Maple Hills-Cedar Hills wildfire blazed for several days—only 2.3 miles from Mirrormont “as the spark flies.” Wildfire smoke filled the skies for many days again in August 2021.
To learn about wildfire patterns in our area, view King Conservation District (KCD)’s 36-minute webinar, “Managing Wildfire Risk to Western Washington Communities”, which addresses the wildfire pattern in Western Washington, what to look for when assessing your home and community for wildfire risk, and ways to make your home more wildfire resilient.
Free Voluntary Residential Wildfire Risk Assessments
The MCA encourages you to complete a self-assessment of your home before the start of hot and dry summer weather using the checklist that can be found here (attached pdf). After completing this checklist, you can contact Mike Lasecki at 425-529-4812 or michael.lasecki@kingcd.org for a free consultation on how to address the areas of your home that need work to improve its wildfire resiliency.
Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Wildfires pose a threat for many obvious reasons, but one overlooked potential threat is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used extensively in home construction due to its fire-resistance until it was discovered that it causes mesothelioma cancer. Asbestos, and other cancer causing minerals, can be released into the air when structures catch fire and begin to burn. Here is a useful link with some excellent information:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Firewise?
The Mirrormont Community Association (MCA) Firewise Committee is an advisory committee to empower the Mirrormont Community to work together to reduce wildfire risk with focus on educating residents about wildfire hazards, encouraging proactive measures to protect life and property, and fostering a collaborative approach to wildfire preparedness. The MCA Firewise Committee solely performs these tasks through community wide events.
If I request wood chips during Chipper Days, what quantity of wood chips would I receive?
The MCA Firewise Committee will do their best to fulfill all requests; however, please be aware that the availability of wood chips is limited and delivery is not guaranteed. If your request is fulfilled, you will receive a full truckload, which is approximately 10 cubic yards.
Can I have more than two wood piles for Chipper Days chipped during the event?
Yes, The MCA Firewise Committee can accommodate requests for more than two piles, provided the chipping vendor has the capacity. Each additional pile will incur a $25 fee. To make a request for additional wood piles, please send an email to Firewise@mirrormont.org.
Can Firewise assist, if my neighbor’s yard has piles of cut down trees and shrubs?
No, you need to contact King County and submit a complaint.
Can you assist if my neighbor is burning leaves and yard waste?
No, you need to contact the King County Fire Marshal.