Background
My name is Wes Johns and I am your Leavenworth Neighbor. I am passionate about reducing our area's high wildfire risk to life and property so we are all safer!
Having lived on forested land near Leavenworth for numerous years, I've learned that wildfire is a part of life on this land. It's a natural part of its ecosystem.
I have been fortunate to have had many successful experiences with fire prevention and suppression as a structural and wildland firefighter.
This experience has given me great respect for nature and its processes, especially fire. Fire is a significant part of our surroundings, and like it or not, it's not a matter of "if" but "when" wildfire affects us.
Not only do I love this work, but I have a vested interest in enabling wildfire risk reduction in our part of the world. The more fire hardened homes, the less risk of fire spread for all of us. Think about it, as far as fire is concerned, we all live in cubes of fuel! The more of our "fuel cubes" we prevent from blowing up in flames, the easier it will be to prevent the wildfire's spread when it happens.
My mantra is "think like an ember". This helps to guide my decisions within the forest and around structures, when reducing the risk from wildfire.
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Wes Johns
owner of Metau Resilient Forests and wildfireRx
Experience brought to each Firewise Home Hardening analysis & implementation
Fire Experience
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Volunteer Firefighter at Chelan County Fire District #3 (Leavenworth) for 5 years with experience contributing to multiple successful structure and wildfire suppression events. I've seen a lot of "good" and "bad" when it comes to wildfire resistant homes!
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Owner of Metau Resilient Forests - Enabling hundreds of acres of wildfire resilient forests for private landowners for 6 years
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Successful burning of hundreds of burn piles without incident
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Active participant in multiple successful prescribed burns with The Nature Conservancy and Fire District #3
Fire Education
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University of Idaho- Fire Ecology (RX-310)
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WSU- Forest Stewardship
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Fire District 3 Firefighting Academy specializing in structure fires and fire science
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The Nature Conservancy specializing in wildland fire science and suppression (S-130 & S-190 Wildfire Class Certificates & Red Card)
Home Hardening Experience
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Experience building with a proven eye for thoroughness
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General Contractor License #METAURF801RU + licensed and bonded
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Hardening of multiple structures' 5' perimeter as well as tree/brush thinning within 100' perimeter of homes, for wildfire risk protection
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Carpentry and design skills, resulting in three attractive pole barns
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Firewise friendly hardscape experience with concrete, pavers, and gabions