PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Fire Marshal has modified last month’s fire restrictions to a complete burn ban in unincorporated Clallam County due to the low humidity and extreme heat warnings forecast for the near future.
“The temperatures in the next week pose a significant increase in wildfire danger as we will be under a weather warn threat Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures that could exceed 90 degrees with extended levels in the tall 70s and 80s,” said George Bailey, the county fire marshal. “There are several wildfires in Western Washington currently, and we are ripe for some local fires with the woods as dry as they are now, yet even more so in the near future.”
The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, according to a Clallam County press release.
Propane, gas and pellet appliances are permitted, provided the use is over a non-flammable surface and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation.
The use of propane weed burners also is banned.
These restrictions do not apply to state Department of Natural Resources campgrounds or to Olympic National Park, both of which are regulated by state or federal guidelines.
Jefferson County raised its fire danger risk level from moderate to high on June 25, prohibiting all recreational burning.
State law explicitly prohibits any outdoor burning, except recreational fires, within the city limits of Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim and the urban growth areas of Carlsborg, Clallam Bay/Sekiu, Forks, Joyce, Port Angeles and Sequim year-round.
For information, visit www.clallamcountywa.gov/884/burning-restrictions.
