What You Can Do to Build Wildfire Resilience

Fire is a natural and necessary process in many of Washington’s landscapes. In ecosystems such as ponderosa pine forests and the shrubsteppe, periodic fires help recycle nutrients, stimulate new plant growth, and create mosaics of vegetation that support diverse wildlife communities, including many bird species.

However, decades of fire suppression, the spread of invasive annual grasses, expanding development, and climate change have significantly altered these natural fire regimes. In the Columbia Plateau’s shrubsteppe, fire intervals have shortened from 30–100 years to just 5–15 years. These more frequent and intense fires now pose increasing challenges for both human communities and native ecosystems. 

Firewise USA

Firewise USA, a program of the National Fire Protection Association, helps communities become more wildfire‑resilient through education, planning, and on-the-ground projects that reduce hazardous fuels before a wildfire occurs.

5 bird-friendly Firewise actions you can take today:

• Plant native shrubs- choosing native, fire-adapted plants like snowberry and chokecherry supports Firewise landscaping goals by reducing flashy fuels while providing berries, nesting cover, and seasonal food for birds. The Kittitas Audubon Society created a detailed resource "Using Native Plants to Preserve Birds and Protect Homes" for Eastern Washington.
• Replace invasive grasses with native groundcover- removing cheatgrass and other invasive grasses and replacing them with native grasses can lower fire intensity and create habitat for birds.
• Create defensible space- Firewise defensible space doesn’t mean removing all vegetation. By spacing shrubs, limbing trees, and retaining patches of native plants, you reduce ladder fuels while keeping perches, foraging areas, and cover for birds.
• Plant native forbs and flowers- Firewise landscaping encourages low‑fuel, drought‑tolerant plants; by planting native forbs and flowers you are also supporting insect‑eating birds during nesting season.
• Add wildlife-safe water sources- a shaded bird bath or drip feature placed away from structures supports Firewise principles by keeping water features clear of vegetation while giving birds a reliable water source during hot, dry periods.

To learn more about Firewise USA and how you and your community can get involved, visit NFPA - Firewise USA® today!