WSU experts available to discuss wildfires

As wildfires affect communities across the Spokane region, Washington State University researchers and Extension specialists are available to discuss topics ranging from property protection and animal evacuation to lightning-caused fire risk, power-grid resilience and postfire recovery.

The following experts are available to provide information and context for news coverage.

Andrew Perleberg: Forest and property fire risks

Andrew Perleberg can discuss wildfire preparedness, forest health, home ignition hazards, and precautions for forest and rural property owners. He can also explain how windblown embers, outdoor equipment and vehicles can ignite homes or dry vegetation, particularly during the dry summer months.

Perleberg is a professor, regional Extension specialist, and leader of the WSU Extension Forestry team.
Contact: 509-630-4217, [email protected]
Related story: WSU foresters urge readiness for a dry, early wildfire season

Deepti Singh: Climate change and wildfire risk

Deepti Singh studies climate change, extreme weather and their societal impacts. She can discuss how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affect wildfire conditions, including the growing risk of lightning-caused fires across the West.

Singh is an associate professor in the WSU School of the Environment at WSU Vancouver.

Contact: 650-468-8791, [email protected]
Related story: WSU study projects increases in lightning, wildfire risk

Anamika Dubey: Wildfires and power-grid resilience

Anamika Dubey studies how utilities can prepare the electrical grid for extreme weather, including wildfires. She can discuss how severe weather disrupts power systems and how utilities can make the grid more resilient.

Dubey is the Huie-Rogers Endowed Chair and an associate professor in the WSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Contact: 509-335-1865, [email protected]
Related story: New tool can help utilities prepare for extreme weather

Linda McLean: Animals, Tribal communities and postfire recovery

Linda McLean can discuss wildfire preparedness and recovery in rural and Tribal communities, including evacuation planning for pets and livestock.

McLean is director of WSU Colville Reservation Extension and a 4-H educator.

Contact: 509-634-2305, [email protected]
Related story: Tips on keeping animals safe during wildfires

Dr. Alyssa Marre: Livestock and ag animal veterinarian

Alyssa Marre is skilled in wildfire preparedness and emergency response for livestock and horses, including evacuation planning, animal identification, and reducing health risks from smoke exposure. She can also address veterinary care during disasters and strategies to help producers protect animal health before, during, and after wildfires.

Marre is a faculty member at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus particularly in large animal medicine.

Contact: 509-335-0711 ext., [email protected]

WSU Wildfire preparedness guides

The following WSU resources offer practical guidance to help individuals and families prepare for wildfires and other emergencies:

• How to protect your home from wildfires: Steps homeowners can take to reduce fire risks, prepare their property and assemble essential fire-safety equipment.
• Wildfire preparedness tips: Landscaping recommendations from the WSU Master Gardener Program, including removing dry vegetation, pruning trees and shrubs and creating defensible space.
• Prepare your pets and livestock for disasters: Guidance for making an evacuation plan and assembling emergency supplies for pets, horses and livestock.
• Bug out!: Advice from WSU veterinary experts on preparing a portable emergency kit for pets and keeping important health and identification records accessible.

Additional information and resources for students and employees are available on a dedicated Emergency Support Resources page on the WSU Spokane website. Those who wish to donate in support of impacted students can make a gift to the WSU Health Sciences Emergency Fund or the WSU Health Sciences Campus Pantry.