The 2023 summer season is here! Due to above average temperatures and the lack of precipitation, an earlier than normal dry season is upon us. Because of this, the potential for wild land fires is extreme.
To date, East Jefferson County is averaging 5 degrees above the normal temperature of 65 degrees. There has been 23 days of 70 degree weather or greater. There has not been a significant rain of .25 inches or more in a 24-hour period since May 5th. East Jefferson County is also 7.6 inches below average in rainfall. Additionally, on June 2, 2023 DNR Central Low Lands moved the outdoor fire danger to Moderate (Blue).
As recommended by the Jefferson County Board of Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal, a burn restriction will be in effect for all land clearing or outdoor burning within Jefferson County, from June 4, 2023 through September 30, 2023 or until further notice. This burn restriction does not currently apply to recreational fires.
Requirements for recreational fires are defined by the international fire code and the Washington State Administrative code (173-425-050). A recreational fire is defined as outdoor burning of charcoal or firewood where the fuel is not contained in an incinerator, out-door fire place, barbecue grill or barbecue pit. Recreational fires are for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Fires used for debris or rubbish disposal are not considered recreational fires and are illegal.
All county-wide burning is subject to immediate closure at any time based on the DNR fire rating for fire danger or air stagnation conditions as determined by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Olympic Region Clean Air Authority and/or the Department of Natural Recourses.
For more information about fire danger in Jefferson County, please contact East Jefferson Fire Rescue’s web site at www.ejfr.org. or your local fire district. Additional information may be available from the Washington State Department of Natural Recourses.
