The Pend Oreille Conservation District is launching the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Program to help landowners in Pend Oreille County better understand and reduce wildfire risk around their homes and structures.

Wildfire does not have to start in the forest to threaten a home. In many cases, homes ignite because of vulnerable conditions in the area immediately surrounding the structure. The Home Ignition Zone concept focuses on that critical space and provides practical steps landowners can take to improve defensible space, reduce hazardous fuels, and make their property more resilient to wildfire.

A Home Ignition Zone Assessment is an on-site evaluation of the area around a home, shop, barn, or other structure (primarily focusing on Zone 1 & 2 as shown above) to identify features that may increase wildfire risk. During an assessment, staff look at conditions such as:

• Vegetation and woody debris near structures
• Ladder fuels and dense brush
• Tree spacing and overhanging limbs
• Access and emergency considerations
• General defensible space conditions around the home

Through this program, Pend Oreille Conservation District will provide:

• Free Home Ignition Zone Assessments
  • Landowners can request a site visit to receive a basic evaluation of wildfire risk around their home or structure.
• Education and Outreach
  • The District will provide information on defensible space, vegetation management, home hardening considerations, and general wildfire preparedness through workshops, events, and one-on-one outreach.
• Recommendations for Risk Reduction
  • Following an assessment, landowners will receive guidance on practical next steps to reduce fuels and improve the safety of the area immediately surrounding the home.
• Future Community Clean-Up Support
  • POCD is also seeking interest from a Pend Oreille County community that would like to host a free green waste day focused on reducing woody debris and wildfire fuels around homes.

Pend Oreille County’s rural and forested landscapes make wildfire preparedness an important part of protecting homes, families, and communities. Small actions taken close to a home can make a significant difference during a wildfire event.

The HIZ Program is designed to help residents take proactive, realistic steps that improve safety while supporting healthier, more manageable property conditions.

This program is intended for Pend Oreille County landowners and residents interested in learning more about wildfire risk reduction around homes and structures.

If you are interested in a free Home Ignition Zone Assessment, Pend Oreille Conservation District would like to hear from you. This program is an opportunity to better understand your property’s wildfire risk and learn what actions may help protect your home.

Contact Stephen Allen, Communications Manager & Program Manager
Phone: (509) 671-2977
Email: stephena@pocd.org
Office: (509) 447-115

Or submit an information request form provided below!