PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners has unanimously passed a resolution establishing an open burning program that is in compliance with the Washington Clean Air Act.
“This is the first time Jefferson County has had an open burning regulatory program to provide consistency with state agencies and our local fire districts,”‘ said Al Scalf, director of the Department of Community Development.
“This new program is geared more for debris and disposal burning, such as landing clearing, and not to be confused with recreational burning, which is defined as a fire 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.”
Authority reinforced
The program reinforces the authority of local fire districts, establishing field response and enforcement provisions for violations of open burning, including response and control action when violations occur.
The Jefferson County enforcement officer and code compliance coordinator are also authorized to provide field response and enforcement and may call upon respective fire districts for assistance.
Open burning permits are currently issued by the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, and are in compliance with the state Department of Natural Resources fire danger index levels.
State makes determination
With the new program, open burning will be curtailed during periods of closure as monitored and defined by the state agencies.
On Tuesday, county commissioners will consider another resolution that will tie in to the state Department of Natural Resources Fire Danger Rating System.
