Island preparedness: Wildfire risk, health care and youth resources
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Island wildfire risk: what can we do?
Wildfires across our state and around the world are making news headlines and keeping wildfire risk on our minds. How prepared is our island home? What would a wildfire response look like? And what can we do to reduce island wildfire risk? Check out information and tips at vashonbeprepared.org/hazard/wildfires. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How many firefighters do we have on Vashon? Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s (VIFR’s) staffing level is five or six crew members at any given time. Some firefighters live off island, so they couldn’t be called in quickly when off duty. The volunteer force has been dwindling in recent years, which is a challenge for many fire districts. Mutual aid from off island is about an hour away (not counting fire boats and helicopters).
What is my evacuation route and how do I prepare? Wildfire evacuation routes would be determined by wind direction and speed, road limitations, and other factors. Make a plan in advance of the need to evacuate — check out ready.gov/evacuation. Remember to include plans for pets and livestock.
Where will fire trucks replenish their water? Fire trucks have their own tanks, and tender trucks can provide supplemental water. Most hydrants around the island have good water pressure now, thanks to our big water systems. A fire in the 1950s burned multiple buildings uptown due to low water pressure to fight the fire, so efforts were made to ensure that problem was corrected.
How can I protect my property? Review Firewise.org for information on creating defensible space around your home and other buildings. In addition, VIFR crews can provide residential wildfire risk assessments, with tips on how to prioritize fixes around your home. You can fill out the online form here vifr.org/wildland-fire-safety/ or call VIFR at 206-463-2405 to schedule this valuable free service.
Who can speak with my neighborhood group about fire risk mitigation and other preparedness topics? VashonBePrepared’s NERO coordinators are available to speak with neighborhood groups about wildfire risk mitigation and preparedness — email nero@vashonbeprepared.org to request a speaker. Also visit vashonbeprepared.org/prepare-your-neighborhood/.
How can I plan for evacuation? Visit tinyurl.com/VSH-evacplan for tips.
America’s Rural Healthcare Crisis: Conference Sept. 12
VashonBePrepared and Vashon Medical Reserve Corps are hosting a share-and-learn conference on America’s deepening healthcare challenges.
“How can communities prepare and respond to emergencies without a reliable federal partner?” asks Vashon’s Dr. John Osborn, conference organizer. “On Vashon, we have experiences to share, and we want to hear from other communities when no ‘cavalry rides in over the hill.’ We’re all in this together, and must prepare.”
That’s especially important now when all across the nation, clinics and hospitals are closing. Volunteer first-responder EMT units are going dark. Public health staff are struggling. The health insurance lifeline has been slashed.
In a workshop format, everyone involved in healthcare — from volunteer EMTs to physicians and CERT members, from Alaska to Washington and rural Idaho — will collaborate, sharing what works. “We will draw on the lived experiences of a full range of those trying to care for patients in a collapsing system,” Osborn added.
Call for registration
Register now for the conference taking place in Tacoma on Sept. 12. You can get details and choose between in-person or virtual attendance by going to the conference website at votehealth.org.
Registered Emergency Workers may attend on discount scholarships using code WA-REW-50. Continuing Education credits are available for physicians.
Back to school: Keeping up to date on your child’s vaccinations
Vaccines teach your body’s immune system to fight off diseases. Many childhood vaccines last a lifetime; some others like flu are seasonal; and others, such as tetanus, require a booster. The whole family benefits if a child doesn’t get sick and infect others, especially vulnerable family members like babies and seniors.
Children may be exposed to germs from the food they eat, the air they breathe, and the things they put in their mouths. School-age children may wash their hands more than babies and toddlers, but they come into close contact with others in the classroom and playground, potentially spreading and getting infected with germs that can make them sick. It’s safer to prevent a disease than to treat it. Vaccines may reduce the intensity of a disease if a person gets a breakthrough infection. Potential side effects from vaccination are nearly always far milder than symptoms from the disease itself.
Vaccines are tested extensively, and many have been in use for decades, decreasing the spread of contagious diseases and increasing the health of our communities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed a children’s vaccination schedule based on evidence about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for each age range. Here’s their parent-friendly site: tinyurl.com/AAP-healthykids.
Public schools in each state have vaccination requirements based on the AAP schedule (Washington state’s is at tinyurl.com/WA-vax). Consider making an appointment with your child’s medical provider before school starts (or attend the Youth Health Fair on Aug. 21, see below), to make sure your student is up to date on the vaccinations they need to stay safer from disease and avoid missing school during the year. Bring your questions — your pediatrician can give you advice that addresses the specific needs of your child. And watch for details of Vashon’s school-based COVID and flu vaccination clinics, to be held again this fall.
Free CPR and Safe Sitter classes
Community members can sign up at vifr.org/cpr-classes/ or call 206-463-2405 for a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class. Experts recommend taking a refresher every year (since hopefully most of us don’t get a chance to practice). The next Community CPR will be at Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) from 6-8 p.m.
People interested in providing babysitting will want to check out VIFR’s next Safe Sitter class on Sept. 12 from 9:30 a.m. till 4 p.m., that includes CPR and first aid, safety and childcare tips, and other useful knowledge. vifr.org/vifr-safe-sitter/. Book a seat online or call VIFR at 206-463-2405.
Youth Health Fair, Aug. 21
Vashon Healthcare District will sponsor a Youth Health Fair on Friday, Aug. 21 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Food Bank’s Administration Building. Bring your child so they can receive a free dental screening, school-required immunizations, a sports physical by VIFR’s Mobile Integrated Health team, and other useful health resources. Children can enjoy a picnic lunch and receive a riddle book. All youth ages are welcome; parental consent is required for all medical services.
