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Resident warns of ‘potentially catastrophic’ fire risk on Idlewood Drive median; asks city to clear fuel and review evacuation plans
Summary
A resident told the council the unmaintained median on Idlewood Drive has accumulated duff and low branches that could turn trees into torches if ignited; he asked Public Works to mow and remove the litter and duff and urged the city to review evacuation routes.
During audience comments at the May 19 Issaquah City Council meeting, resident Randy Harrison urged immediate action to address what he described as a “potentially catastrophic” wildfire risk on Idlewood Drive, a loop road with a city‑owned median that many residents do not maintain.
Harrison said the median is steep and often not mowed, leaving tall, dry grass and accumulated duff — the layer of decomposing leaves and fuel at the base of large trees — that could ignite from a discarded cigarette. He said he spoke previously with Eastside Fire and Rescue staff, who described a worst‑case scenario in which duff ignites, then lower tree branches burn, potentially turning trees into torches that could send embers miles downwind.
What he asked: Harrison asked that Public Works mow the shoulder of the median loop to reduce surface fuels and that the city remove accumulated duff under trees; he noted that crews previously cut low branches two years ago but that regrowth has reduced the benefit. He also urged the council to review evacuation planning for Squak Mountain neighborhoods where there are limited exit routes.
What city staff said or did: Public Works Director Emily Moon was in the room and the resident explicitly requested the department consider two steps: (1) mow the left‑hand shoulder of the median loop to keep dry grass away from vehicle flames/cigarette butts and (2) remove duff and combustible material under trees to lower the risk of crown ignition. The resident noted Eastside Fire and Rescue had prepared training materials referencing Idlewood Drive and that the city is working on an evacuation plan.
No formal action or vote was taken during the meeting; the item was raised as public comment. Councilmembers acknowledged the concern and the resident’s request that staff inspect the site and return with an assessment and potential mitigation steps.
Why it matters: the comment highlights wildfire risk in a densely treed residential area, the interplay of public‑ and private‑maintenance responsibilities for city‑owned medians, and the need to align vegetation management and evacuation planning.
