King County is prone to wild land fires with a fire season that usually runs from mid-May through October. Injuries and casualties to the occupants of a structure are a primary concern. These events can also cause the release of hazardous materials and disconnect utility lines. The effects of wild land fires vary with intensity, area and time of year. The greatest short-term loss is the complete destruction of valuable resources, such as timber, wildlife habitat, recreation areas, and watersheds .
Severe fires producing high soil temperatures create a water-repellent layer below the soil surface.
The soil above this layer becomes highly prone to erosion, often resulting in mud slides. Long-term effects are reduced amounts of timber for commercial purposes and the reduction of travel and recreational activities in the affected area. Loss of life and personal property occur as well. Citizens should know the proper way to handle fire. Public education programs on fire safety, fire alarms and fire response are important.