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With warm weather in the valley, a hint of smoke in the air and fire season right around the corner, now is the time to address wildfire preparedness. May has been designated as Wildfire Awareness Month, an important month to learn and become better prepared for wildfire. Every year thousands of wildfires burn millions of acres across the nation. Recently, Ashland has experienced the Siskiyou and Oak Knoll fires. Our reality is that it's not if, but when, the next fire will threaten our community.  The city of Ashland has been actively working to address the threat of wildfire for many years as have many of you, our citizens. Large-scale efforts include our Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan, which is undergoing review and updating this year; the Ashland Forest Resiliency program, a collaborative effort to protect our watershed by restoring and promoting a healthy forest that will better withstand wildfire; the Fire Adapted/Firewise Communities program, where our 22 Firewise Communities/USA neighborhoods have us leading the nation; the weed abatement ordinance; our Ashland Is Ready (AIR) program, and proposed expansion of the Wildfire Hazard Zone, amidst others. While these programs and policies are helping address prevention and preparedness at a whole community level, it is at the individual level that the most influence and direct impact can be found. Wildfire is everyone's responsibility — everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of wildfire. Please do your part to help protect yourself and our community. You can start contributing today, right at home, by making the right decisions about creating and maintaining defensible space around your home. Learn how simple landscaping and home construction techniques can help your home better withstand a fire. Even miles away, a wildfire is still a threat. Traveling embers can ignite roofs, attics, furniture, decks, fences, mulch and other common items around your house and yard. Cleaning your property of debris and maintaining your landscaping reduces the likelihood of ignition. Ashland Fire & Rescue offers free property reviews to help you assess your current situation and many resources for planning any needed improvements. Next, look beyond your property line to your neighborhood. Neighbors are linked by their wildfire risk — if one home is inadequately prepared, it can affect an entire neighborhood. Reach out to your neighbors and start a conversation about preparedness, encouraging them to take action as well. Once they are on board, keep expanding your circle outwards, helping to build a whole community of people who acknowledge and take responsibility for their wildfire risk. Perhaps your community of neighbors would be interested in forming Ashland's next Firewise Community and being recognized nationally for your achievements in creating a safer environment. Visit www.ashlandfirewise.org to learn more about steps you can take to protect your property, current Firewise communities and how to become the next recognized Firewise community. We encourage citizens to participate in the community's civic process. Learn about and become involved with the city's preparedness efforts and help ensure appropriate actions are being taken at all levels. Attend City Council, Planning Commission, and Wildfire Mitigation Commission meetings. Email [email protected] to share your insights and ideas on how individuals and Ashland can live with wildfire. Remember: Wildfire is everyone's responsibility.  Steve Parks is the Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator and can be reached via email at [email protected]. The Alarm Box, a column with local public safety information written by Ashland Fire & Rescue personnel, appears triweekly in the Tidings. Email topic suggestions to [email protected].