08/23/2026
Wi******er Community Comes Together for First Firewise Cleanup Effort
WI******ER, IDAHO — August 22, 2026 — The Wi******er Volunteer Fire Department, the City of Wi******er, local businesses, and community volunteers came together Saturday for the first community wildfire-prevention cleanup effort in Wi******er, helping three local homeowners reduce wildfire hazards around their properties.
The three homeowners were identified by community members or family members as residents who could benefit from assistance with wildfire mitigation. Each homeowner was asked if they would accept help from the community to make their property safer, and all three welcomed the opportunity.
Eleven volunteers participated in the effort, including four Wi******er Volunteer Fire Department personnel, Mayor Miriam Youngren, and six community volunteers. Four of the community volunteers came from outside the city limits to lend a hand.
Volunteers removed numerous pickup loads of potential wildfire fuel from the three properties, including large quantities of dry pinecones, pine needles, dead branches, grasses and w**ds. Dry vegetation was trimmed back from homes, creating additional separation between combustible vegetation and structures.
The cleanup also improved walking and working conditions around the properties. Removing accumulated debris reduced trip hazards for homeowners as well as for firefighters and EMS providers who may need to operate on the properties during an emergency.
Creating defensible space around homes can help reduce the amount of readily available fuel near structures and may help slow the spread of fire under some conditions. It can also provide additional time for vulnerable residents to evacuate and create safer access and working conditions for emergency responders.
"The safety of our residents is important, but so is the safety of the firefighters and EMS providers who may be called upon to protect them," said WVFD PIO Julie Phelan. "When we reduce hazards around a home before a fire occurs, we are helping create a safer environment for everyone."
The day was about much more than physical work. Volunteers worked side-by-side throughout the day, sharing stories, laughter and good-natured jokes while helping one another tackle the demanding cleanup. The camaraderie among participants grew throughout the day, with people who may not have known one another before the event working together toward a common purpose.
One volunteer summed up the spirit of the effort particularly well, noting that although he does not live within Wi******er's city limits, "Wi******er is my city."
The three homeowners expressed deep appreciation for the volunteers' efforts. For the recipients, the work provided more than a safer and cleaner property. It was a tangible reminder that their neighbors cared about them and were willing to show up and help.
The cleanup was completed entirely by volunteers and was provided at no cost to the homeowners.
The effort was also made possible through generous support from local residents and businesses. Marshall's Meats provided brats and buns for the volunteer lunch. Gateway was ready to provide chips and beverages, but for the convenience of volunteers, other arrangements were made. Well catch you next time, Gateway, we promise! Additional food and beverages were contributed by community members, including chips, water, cookies and condiments from Mayor Miriam Youngren and Charlotte York; sauerkraut, relish and beverages from Kelley and Bill Bartz; and chicken and corn relish from Brenda and Andy Holmes.
Assistant Chief John Lawson also brought his tractor to assist with moving debris. Volunteers supplied w**d eaters, rakes, pruners, shovels, tubs and garbage cans to help complete the work.
WVFD personnel participating in the cleanup were Assistant Chief John Lawson, Ed Simms, Jeremy Clounie and PIO Julie Phelan. Mayor Miriam Youngren joined the effort alongside community volunteers Kelley Bartz, Bill Bartz, Charlotte York, Brenda Holmes, Andy Holmes and Dick Penzer.
The success of Saturday's effort has generated enthusiasm for continuing community wildfire-prevention cleanups. A second cleanup is being planned for September, with the date to be announced.
The broader Firewise program will be presented to the Wi******er City Council on September 3, with plans to build an ongoing community effort focused on wildfire preparedness, defensible space and neighbors helping neighbors.
Residents who would like to volunteer, nominate someone who may need assistance, or learn more about upcoming cleanup opportunities may contact WVFD PIO Julie Phelan at 206-714-8568 or contact the City of Wi******er.
The Wi******er Volunteer Fire Department thanks every volunteer, homeowner, business and community member who helped make the first cleanup effort a success.
This was more than wildfire prevention. It was neighbors taking care of neighbors.
