White Center Now: The blog about White Center

The King County Fire Marshal has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban, “restricting yard-debris fires and fires set to clear land in unincorporated areas”:

With the dry season fast approaching, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas of King County. This ban, which prohibits yard debris fires and fires set to clear land, takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., June 30.

The ban is being issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association. It does not apply to recreational fires or gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers, or charcoal grills.

Expected periods of higher temperatures will expand the amount of dry fuel load and reduce the amount of moisture in vegetation in our communities. This in turn increases the risk of an uncontrolled fire when burning yard debris.

“Summer is a prime season to enjoy the outdoors, but summer also brings higher fire risks. Help prevent uncontrolled fires and potential wildfires by following the Stage 1 Burn Ban,” Urban said. “Your efforts make a difference, and both your neighbors and our first responders will thank you.”

Urban also encourages people who smoke to use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.

There are also rules for approved recreational or campfires:

-Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
-The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
-The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
-The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
-The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
-Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
-The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
-The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
-After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
-No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
-If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.

Get the latest information on current burn bans by visiting the Department of Local Services’ Fire Safety Burn Bans page.

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