By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
King County has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated areas as rising temperatures and increasingly dry conditions elevate wildfire risks heading into the summer season.
The burn ban, which took effect at on Monday, June 22, prohibits yard debris fires and land-clearing burns in unincorporated King County. The ban was issued by Fire Marshal Eric Urban in coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and the King County Fire Marshals Association.
The National Weather Service is forecasting above-average temperatures this summer, conditions that officials say could contribute to a heightened risk of wildfires throughout the region.
While the Stage 1 Burn Ban restricts yard debris and land-clearing fires, recreational fires are still permitted under certain conditions. Gas- and propane-fueled appliances, including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills, also remain allowed.
Urban said residents should take extra precautions as dry conditions continue to develop.
“With the World Cup coming to King County, along with America’s 250th birthday on July 4th, we know this is going to be a busy and active summer,” Urban said. “There are things people can do – and not do – to reduce that risk [high fire risk] while still enjoying themselves. That includes adhering to the Stage 1 Burn Ban, not using fireworks, and adhering to a Stage 2 Burn Ban if called. It goes a long way toward keeping unwanted fires to a minimum.”
Officials are also reminding residents that consumer fireworks remain prohibited in all unincorporated areas of King County, including White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood and the East Renton area.
With Independence Day celebrations approaching, Urban said the prohibition is particularly important given the region’s increasingly dry conditions.
“We appreciate that people will want to celebrate with their friends and neighbors,” Urban said. “We just want them to remember that during this time of extremely dry conditions, the risk of fire is high.”
Fireworks enforcement will be handled by the Code Enforcement team within King County’s Department of Local Services. Officials said complaints regarding the sale or use of illegal fireworks in unincorporated King County will be investigated.
Urban also urged smokers to exercise caution when disposing of cigarettes and ashes, noting that improperly discarded smoking materials can quickly ignite dry vegetation.
Officials said approved recreational fires must be small, built in approved metal or concrete fire pits, kept away from structures and vegetation, and attended at all times with water or other extinguishing tools readily available. Campfires must be completely extinguished after use.
No outdoor burning is allowed when winds exceed 15 miles per hour, and fires that create excessive smoke or ash affecting neighboring properties must be extinguished.
County officials noted that additional restrictions, including a Stage 2 Burn Ban that would prohibit recreational fires, could be implemented if conditions worsen.
Officials are encouraging residents to remain alert throughout the summer and follow all burn restrictions as conditions evolve.
