Annual Wildfire Open House set for May 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 17, 2026
Annual Wildfire Open House set for May 4, 2026

The City of White Salmon, in coordination with the West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority (WKRFA), will host its annual Wildfire Open House on Monday, May 4 from 5–7 p.m.

The event comes as the region monitors conditions following an unusually mild winter, which can signal an increased likelihood of a hot and dry summer. That reality makes preparation now more important than ever.

The open house is an opportunity for community members and neighborhood groups to connect directly with the agencies and partners working year-round on wildfire preparedness and mitigation. Attendees can learn about current projects, explore programs available to help property owners reduce risk, and get practical guidance on steps to protect their homes, families, and neighborhoods.

The event will take place at the WKRFA Station 30, 119 N. Church Ave. in downtown White Salmon. Following brief opening remarks, attendees will be able to visit informational booths hosted by local and regional partners, including:

• Washington DNR
• Underwood Conservation District
• Washington Gorge Action Programs
• Red Cross
• Mountaintop Wildlife
• Mt. Adams Resource Stewards
• Klickitat County Emergency Management
• Klickitat County Health Department

Now in its fourth year, the event continues to build on the strong community collaboration demonstrated during recent wildfire events, reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility and proactive preparation.

“Wildfire preparedness is a year-round effort,” said WKRFA Chief Wes Long. “This event brings together the partners, resources, and information our community needs to stay informed and take practical steps to reduce risk ahead of the summer season.”

Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and connect with agencies working to support wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery efforts throughout the region.

The City of White Salmon: Website: whitesalmonwa.gov Office: (509) 493-1133

West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority: Website: westklickitatfire.gov Office: (509) 493-2996