The Jefferson County Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal agree to reduce the recreational burn ban established on September 7, 2020.
The Chiefs are basing their decision on the recent changes in weather in western Washington, the forecasted precipitation, lower temperatures, and high humidity levels over the last week have helped to abate the fire hazard conditions in Jefferson County. The amended burn ban now allows for campfires and the use of charcoal briquettes within Jefferson County.
Per County ordinance, a burn ban is still in effect for all land clearing/debris burning within Jefferson County until at least September 30, 2020, as recommended by the Jefferson County Board of Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal. Requirements for Recreational fires are defined by the international fire code (2015 IFC – Section 307) 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, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit. Recreational fires are for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. Fires used for debris or rubbish (GARBAGE) disposal are not considered recreational fires and are illegal.
All county-wide burning is subject to immediate closure at any time based on forecasted environmental conditions, DNR fire rating for fire danger, air stagnation conditions as determined by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Olympic Region Clean Air Authority, the Department of Natural Recourses, the Jefferson County Fire Chief’s and/or the Jefferson County Fire Marshal.
For more information about fire danger in Jefferson County, please contact East Jefferson Fire Rescue, or go to East Jefferson Fire Rescue’s web site at www.ejfr.org. Additional information may be available from the Washington State Department of Natural Recourses or your local Fire Protection District.