PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners have approved a new Community Wildfire Protection Plan aimed at reducing wildfire risk across the region.
The plan outlines ways to address both natural and human-caused fire threats to homes, infrastructure, and the local economy.
Some landowners had raised concerns about possible land-use restrictions. County Commissioner Mike French addressed those concerns before the vote.
“I hear those concerns from the member of the public. I think that this plan is really focused on what the threats are and what you might be able to do as a community to respond to those threats. That’s not the place where you’re going to find land use restrictions, but I hear your concerns and I’m happy to talk about them with you at some point,” said French.
County officials say the plan focuses on proactive steps—like vegetation management, improving emergency response, and public education—to better protect vulnerable areas, especially where neighborhoods meet forest land.
The new plan replaces the county’s previous wildfire plan from 2009. Work on the update began in 2024 and included input from fire districts, tribal nations, and state and federal agencies, along with public feedback.
Officials say having an updated plan in place also helps the county qualify for state and federal funding for wildfire prevention projects.
County leaders plan to update the wildfire protection plan every five years as conditions change.
Read the entire plan here: https://clallamcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26982