Protecting Home and Land as Wildfire Risks Rise in the Northwest

Protecting Home and Land as Wildfire Risks Rise in the Northwest

There's a reason why so many choose to live in the Pacific Northwest. With its stunning landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests and winding rivers, many people fall for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. But recent wildfire seasons have shown just how vulnerable this region can be in an era of climate change. At WD Fire Supply, we’re committed to providing not only the gear but the insight you need to protect your home and landscape.

Escalating Wildfire Numbers Are No Longer the Exception

  • In 2024, the U.S. experienced 64,897 wildfires, burning nearly 8.9 million acres—a massive jump compared to prior years. The Northwest saw some of the heaviest burns, including thousands of structures destroyed.
    National Interagency Fire Center
  • Just this year, 2025 is already on pace to rival those figures—so far, there have been 47,538 wildfires, scorching over 4.2 million acres nationwide. The Northwest continues to face highly active and dangerous fires.
    National Interagency Fire Center
  • On the local front:
  • And 2025 is ramping up fast: The Emigrant Fire in Oregon already spans 30,500 acres, the Flat Fire is at 23,000 acres, and Washington’s Crown Creek Fire has burned 11,500 acres, with 3,649 firefighters, 188 engines, and 26 helicopters actively battling blazes.
    NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima

Climate Change: The Fuel Behind the Flames

The region’s historic climate, like previous wet winters and mild summers has been shifting. Scientists warn of:

  • Hotter springs and drier summers
  • Less snow pack and earlier melt-offs
  • Extended droughts and parched landscapes
  • Denser vegetation that catches fire more readily


These changes prime the region for larger, more frequent wildfires and extend fire seasons well beyond traditional months.

Stories from the Field

The Dragon Bravo Fire at the Grand Canyon (over 100,000 acres) and the active Bear Gulch Fire in Olympic National Park are stark reminders that wildfires are now a year-round threat, not just a summer worry. These devastating incidents are taking place even in federally managed landscapes.
SFGATE

Why It Matters and What You Can Do About It

With homes and communities at increasing risk, preparation isn’t optional, it’s essential.

At WD Fire Supply, we offer:

  • Fire-resistant equipment and Home Defense Kits
  • Hoses, nozzles, pumps and hand tools
  • PPE suited for harsh wildfire conditions
  • Knowledge and gear built for the challenges of a warming world

By equipping yourself before the smoke rolls in, you're not just protecting your property, you’re supporting firefighter safety, public health, and regional resilience.

A Forward Look

The wildfire trends of 2024 and 2025 make one thing clear: these seasons are only getting longer, more intense, and more destructive. But they don’t have to define your story. With the right gear, preparation, and awareness, backed by data and trusted by professionals, your home and land can be part of the solution.

Explore our latest wildfire response gear and take your first step toward preparedness today:

Visit WD Fire Supply’s Wildland Defense Collection