State Parks working to reduce wildfire risk at Westport Light State Park

Olympia — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will complete a wildfire fuel reduction project at Westport Light State Park this month. The project responds to community concerns and reduces wildfire risk in Westport. 

Beginning mid-February, a wildland fire crew from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will partner with State Parks to prune trees, thin brush and remove small trees along Forrest Street near the park’s eastern boundary.  

State Parks maintenance staff will also mow invasive scotch broom along Jetty Haul Road, further reducing wildfire risk. 

Work is weather dependent and will take two to four weeks to complete.  

The park will remain open during the project. Visitors may experience more traffic than usual.    

This project establishes a 100-foot-wide shaded fuel break that reduces wildfire risk by creating a natural buffer between the park and the street. The break is less likely to burn and provides safer access for firefighters in the event of a wildfire.  

Community members are encouraged to learn more about how they can protect their properties by using the resources provided by DNR’s Community Wildfire Resilience Resource Library and Service Forestry Program.