Low humidity, temperatures around 80-90 degrees and now a “high” fire danger burn ban are on the forecast for the foreseeable future on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Across the state, the Department of Natural Resources has listed the wildfire danger of every county as either “very high/extreme” or “high.” Jefferson and Clallam counties follow DNR’s burn restrictions.
A “high” fire danger rating for the counties prohibits outdoor fires on all state, county, city and private land regulated by DNR protection.
Burn bans can be placed by a number of entities, including DNR, Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, State Parks, Clallam County, Jefferson County, cities and local tribes.
Jefferson County currently follows a stage 1 burn ban, effective July 1 to Oct. 1, which allows only recreational fires no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet high and defined as “outdoor burning of charcoal or firewood where the fuel is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fire place, barbecue grill or barbecue pit.”
The outdoor burn bans never allowed fires used for debris or rubbish disposal. Those are illegal during a burn ban, since they are not considered recreational fires.
On Friday, Clallam County Fire Marshal Annette Warren announced county-wide restrictions for outdoor recreational fires at approved campsites and private residences.
Clallam’s modified burn ban requires campfires, at a maximum of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, to be contained within a concrete or metal fire pit. The fire can be in an approved campground or on private property with the property owner’s permission.
Campgrounds within the Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest are an exception, since they are not regulated by the county.
Clallam’s burn ban, effective July 1 to Oct. 1 each year, has been rated at moderate fire risk up until recently. The size of the fire allowable did not change; the restrictions now require any recreational fire to be contained in a fire pit.
On Thursday, the City of Forks imposed an open flame burn ban, which applies to open fire pits, fire rings and chimney style fire pits. The ban also prohibits the use of fire torches in yards and driveways. Gas and briquette barbecues/smokers and similarly contained means of cooking food outdoors are allowed.
Warren, along with local fire districts and departments, urges property owners to take proactive fire prevention measures, according to a press release.
For instance, maintaining a 30-foot defensible space around structures helps firefighters in the case of a fire by creating a zone of protection around the property.
For a map of daily wildlife danger across Washington, visit fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/.
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Reporter Sarah Sharp can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at ssharp@penin suladailynews.com.
