Mixed reactions to fuels reduction project at Sans Souci West [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. – Not all residents are thrilled as multiple agencies and non-profits joined the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) Tuesday to remove hazardous shrubs throughout Sans Souci West, a gated community for those 55 and older.

Through funding from the Department of Natural Resources and Veterans Community Response, roughly 20 people were out removing shrubs.

The project is the brain-child of Nick Jeffries, the wildland resource planner for SFD.

“If there was a fire across the river, or close by, it could throw embers onto this homesite and basically light the stuff on fire and light the structure on fire,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries told NonStop Local that DNR and SFD work to identify risky areas, like this gated community. He said it’s essential to remove flammable vegetation ahead of wildfire season.

“I know it’s not going to look pretty. I mean, it’s not. I drove down the hill and just …