The Firewise Communities program, which encourages residents to protect themselves from wildfires, is growing in Yakima County.
Six communities will be recognized for their recent efforts as Firewise Communities by the Yakima County Commissioners today.
The Firewise program emphasizes fire-resistant home building materials, thinning trees and brush to create defensive space around homes, and safe accessibility for firefighters. It's sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters.