It’s a question of when, not if the next wildfire comes, and as Hamilton Creek resident Pat Gunckel -- who was evacuated during last year's Ptarmigan Fire -- knows, preparation now can make all the difference in the world for when the next one happens. Small steps to protect the home can be imperative, or as firefighters put it: “Any one thing you do that can keep fire from reaching your home may be the one thing that saves your home.” Summit Fire & EMS officials conduct free risk assessments for the community. The assessments can enlighten homeowners to potential fire risks, future fire risks and evacuation tips.