Parks & Trails

Prescribed Fire

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Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Bainbridge Island Land Trust, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, is planning a prescribed fire operation at Hilltop as part of ongoing meadow health, habitat restoration, and wildfire resilience efforts. 

Prescribed fire is a carefully planned and professionally managed tool used to reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem health, support native plant communities, and restore natural ecological processes. The project will be conducted under strict weather, safety, and smoke management conditions by trained fire professionals.

Join us for an Open House July 23

Hilltop Prescribed Fire & Meadow Restoration Open House

Join us Thursday, July 23 from 4:00p-6:00p at Prue’s House to learn about the meadow restoration planned for Hilltop and how this important project will help improve wildfire resilience, restore native habitat, and support the long-term health of one of Bainbridge Island's unique natural areas.
This community event is an opportunity to:
  • Learn why prescribed fire is being used at Hilltop.
  • Meet the partners planning and implementing the project.
  • See the burn area and learn how fire benefits native prairie and meadow ecosystems.
  • Ask questions about smoke, safety, wildlife, and project timing.
  • Learn how prescribed fires are carefully planned and conducted under specific weather conditions by trained professionals.
The prescribed fire is a collaborative effort between the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Bloedel Reserve, and Bainbridge Island Land Trust. Together, we are working to reduce wildfire risk while restoring native plant communities that depend on periodic fire. This project is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
 
Limited parking is available at Grand Forest East, and ADA parking is available on site.  A shuttle will be available from nearby Strawberry Hill Park. We encourage folks to walk or bike to the site.
 
This event is an educational opportunity and is not the prescribed burn itself. The burn will take place later during an approved weather window. Prior to ignition, updates regarding anticipated burn windows, trail closures, smoke information, and operational status will be shared through our website and communication channels.
 
Whether you're curious about prescribed fire, interested in habitat restoration, or simply want to learn more about this important stewardship effort, we hope you'll join us.
 
You can learn more about the project here! Prescribed Fire | Park & Recreation District
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What to Expect 

Prescribed fire operations at Hilltop will occur within a general seasonal timeframe rather than on a fixed date. Because safety is the highest priority, fire managers must wait for the right combination of weather, fuel moisture, wind conditions, and smoke dispersion before proceeding with any burn activity. 

Current Status & Notifications

Community outreach and advance public notification are important parts of the project. Prior to ignition, updates regarding anticipated burn windows, trail closures, smoke information, and operational status will be shared through our website and communication channels. Conditions can change quickly, and planned burn dates may shift or be postponed ensuring operations remain safe for the public, nearby neighborhoods, responders, and the surrounding environment. 

Notices and updates will be posted on this website with as much advanced notice as possible. 

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Resources

Bainbridge Island Fire Department crews and Bloedel Reserve staff observing the prescribed burn in the Buxton Meadow.
Prescribed fire helps recycle nutrients, reduce woody vegetation and invasive species, and stimulate native plant regeneration while reducing hazardous fuels.
The project is a collaboration between the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Bainbridge Island Metro Parks, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, and the Department of Natural Resources.

 

Fire Department Bainbridge Island Est. 1942

 

Bloedel Reserve

 

 

Bainbridge Island Land Trust Est. 1989

Washington State Department of Natural Resources
This project is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.