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 .

21. Can I use paintball guns on the Okanogan National Forest?

Yes you can, but please observe the following restrictions:

When paintballing in the forest, do this activity as far away from other people recreating in the forest as possible. Be aware, you cannot paintball near a campground, a recreation site, or across roads.

Please do not shoot trees. If paint does hit a tree, please wipe it off as soon as possible. Even though the paint is supposed to be biodegradable, it does not fully come off of trees once it dries. Also, please pick up all remnants of exploded paintballs and leave the area as clean as possible when you leave. The goal is to make the area look like you have not been there.

Be aware that no paintball grenades or anything incendiary in nature is allowed.

As with any activity in the national forest, be a responsible user and proponent of your sport, if natural resource degradation occurs, limitations will be implemented curtailing this activity in the national forest.