Northwest residents face wildfire concerns as season starts early

As wildfire season begins earlier and lasts longer, a significant majority of residents in the Northwest express concern about the potential impacts on their safety and the environment. A recent poll conducted by PEMCO Mutual Insurance revealed that 82% of respondents in Washington and Oregon are worried about wildfires threatening their homes and personal safety. However, despite this concern, 26% of residents admit they do not take any precautions to prepare for the threat of wildfires or the associated smoky air until it becomes imminent. The poll highlighted a notable difference in attitudes between residents of Eastern and Western Washington. In the Seattle metro area, 22% of respondents reported being unconcerned about wildfires, compared to only 11% in Spokane, where the risk is more pronounced. In Portland, 17% of residents expressed a lack of concern. Conversely, 89% of Spokane residents indicated at least some level of concern regarding wildfires. In response to the growing threat, many residents are opting to purchase air purifiers, with half of those surveyed indicating they have done so, a significant increase from 37% in 2022. Additionally, reliance on the air quality index has also risen, with 52% of residents avoiding outdoor exercise when air quality is poor. PEMCO emphasizes the importance of community awareness and proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks. As urban areas face increasing threats from wildfires, the company is committed to promoting year-round prevention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the Pacific Northwest.