Island County posted this in the news section of its website on June 30, 2025.
Free virtual workshop to address wildfire preparedness in Island County
[Island County, WA — June 30, 2025] As wildfire seasons across Washington state become longer and more intense, it’s more important than ever to understand the risks, and how Island County residents and responders can work together to be better prepared.
From 2-4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, Island County Department of Emergency Management is holding a virtual Wildfire Preparedness and Response Workshop. This event, which is free and open to all, will bring together local and regional experts to discuss the following:
- The wildfire risks unique to Island County;
- Challenges and strategies for wildfire response in our region;
- Steps you can take to protect your home, property, and family, and;
- How utilities such as Puget Sound Energy are working to reduce fire risk.
“The July 10 Wildfire Preparedness and Response Workshop will be an informative, interactive session designed for all residents, whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for decades,” said Deputy Director, Island County Department of Emergency Management Eric Brooks.
“We encourage everyone to share this invitation with neighbors, family, local groups, and anyone who could benefit from learning more about wildfire preparedness,” Brooks said. “The more we prepare together, the stronger and safer our communities become.”
Meet Our Expert Panel:
- Kirk Troberg, Community Wildfire Resilience Coordinator, Washington Department of Natural Resources. A 19-year wildland fire veteran, Kirk brings frontline experience and practical advice for building wildfire resilience in Northwest Washington.
- Chief Jason Allen, fire chief for Camano Island Fire and Rescue. With nearly three decades of service, Chief Allen will share insights into local firefighting capabilities and what community members need to know when a fire strikes close to home;
- Rocio Castillo-Foell, community affairs manager for Puget Sound Energy. Rocio will discuss PSE’s wildfire prevention and response initiatives, and how the utility is working with communities to improve safety and sustainability.
- Mason Parizo, emergency preparedness coordinator for Island County Public Health. Parizo brings experience in both tribal and county emergency management with a focus on public health impacts and community readiness.
- Eric Brooks, deputy director for Island County Department of Emergency Management. With more than 14 years leading disaster planning and public safety initiatives in Island County, Brooks will walk workshop attendees through the county’s wildfire planning efforts and what residents can do now to be ready.
For more information about the public workshop, contact Eric Brooks, Island County Department of Emergency Management, at e.brooks@co.island.wa.us.
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Meeting Information
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 10
- Meeting ID: 269 823 599 478 3
- Passcode: Yv9HE3yT
Dial in by phone
+1 323-433-2396,,94963760# United States, Los Angeles
+1 929-229-5359,,94963760# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 949 637 60#
