PORT TOWNSEND — The four Jefferson County fire districts said Monday they have established a summer burn ban that continues until Sept. 30 — though depending on weather conditions, it could be extended.
Under the ordinance, all trash and yard waste fires are forbidden and subject to a fine.
Smaller fires no more than 3 feet in height and diameter are allowed.
These include “ceremonial fires” and those contained in a pit, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesperson Bill Beezley.
No open burning is ever allowed within the city limit of Port Townsend or the urban growth area of Irondale/Port Hadlock.
During the burn ban, violators may be assessed fines of up to $14,915 per day for each violation, although fines are rarely imposed, Beezley said.
“Most times, one of our trucks will come out and tell the person to put out the burn, which they do right away,” Beezley said.
“Only when there is a repeat offender or a particularly egregious burn will there be a fine.”
If the fire ends up spreading, the offender may be liable for firefighting costs.
For more information go to www.ejfr.org.
