Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests

Frequently Asked Questions

18. How can I protect my house from wildland fires?

Use fire resistant building material. The roof and exterior of homes should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.

If a fire does occur near a home in the wildlands, homeowners are responsible for creating a "defensible space" so that firefighters may safely protect their homes. Some ways of creating defensible space are: cleaning roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials, or Removing portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney, maintaining a fuel break around all structures, etc.

For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site at http://www.nifc.gov/faq.html

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19. What is the outlook for future wildfires?

For information on wildfire forecasts, and lots of other information on wildfires, please visit the National Interagency Coordination Center Web site at http://www.nifc.gov/information.html.

20. How do I sell products and services to the Forest Service?

If you sell a product or service, the best thing to do is get into the Federal Supply Service (FSS) Program through the General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA is the business manager and purchasing agent for the federal government, and has a FSS contractor guide at http://apps.fss.gsa.gov/contractorguide/ .

To bid on contracts throughout the federal government, start at http://www.fedbizopps.gov (FedBizOpps). Or, to find solicitations specific to the Forest Service see http://www.eps.gov .

USDA Forest Service - Your National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 14 August 2008 at 17:54:32 EDT