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Home My WebLink AboutUPDATE re: Moderate Fire Risk Declaration JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Josh Peters, County Administrator FROM: Jeremy Williammee, Community Development Director/Fire Marshal Brian Tracer, Deputy Fire Marshal DATE: May 11, 2026 SUBJECT: Moderate Fire Risk Declaration Update STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Under Jefferson County Code (JCC) 8.72.040(1)the County Fire Marshal, in consultation with local fire officials, has the authority to designate fire risk level based on atmospheric and environmental conditions. Any changes to the Fire Danger level shall be reported to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. ANALYSIS: After reviewing fire behavior indicators and atmospheric conditions,the County Fire Marshal and Fire Chiefs have jointly determined that elevating the fire danger level is necessary. This decision is based on information and forecasts provided by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA),National Weather Service (NWS),and other state, federal, and local partner agencies. FISCAL IMPACT/COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS: There are no direct fiscal impacts associated with this update. Department of Community Development and Office of the Fire Marshal recommend a coordinated communications approach by the County and Fire Districts to educate and inform the public about fire risks and preparations for the wildfire season. RECOMMENDATION: Receive an update and increase public awareness through discussion in this public meeting. REVIEWED BY: Jo•�P. Peters, County Administrator Date 1 Department of Community Development y r. Office of the Fire Marshal 621 Sheridan St• Port Townsend WA 98368 Phone: 360.379.4450 Web: wwvv.co.jefferson.wa.us For Immediate Release May 5,2026 JEFFERSON COUNTY DECLARES MODERATE (BLUE)FIRE DANGER EFFECTIVE MAY 8 Port Townsend, WA—The Jefferson County Fire Marshal and the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs are responsible for ensuring community safety by reducing fire risks and protecting residents, firefighters, emergency responders, property, and other community assets. Under Jefferson County Code (JCC) 8.72.040, the County automatically enters a MODERATE (Blue)fire danger level each year from July 1 through September 30. Due to current atmospheric and observed field conditions, this designation is being implemented early for the 2026 fire season,with the MODERATE level taking effect on May 8,2026. After reviewing fire behavior indicators and environmental conditions, the County Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal have jointly determined that elevating the fire danger level is necessary. This decision is based on information and forecasts provided by the Washington Department of Natural Resources(DNR), Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA),National Weather Service (NWS), and other state, federal, and local partner agencies. MODERATE Fire Danger Restrictions and Guidance: • The following activities are prohibited: burn barrels, land-clearing or yard-debris burning, and sky lanterns. • Recreational fires are allowed in permanent or portable barbecues, outdoor fireplaces, or grills. Portable fire pits, fireplaces, and chimineas are allowed when placed on non-combustible surfaces, or when surrounding combustible material is cleared down to mineral soil for at least 1.5 feet around the device. • Only natural wood may be used, and fuel must not extend outside the device. • All fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished. In summary, recreational burning, or"campfires," are allowed during a MODERATE fire danger level, and all barbecue appliances may continue to be used. Large brush, yard-debris, and land-clearing fires remain restricted until a LOW fire danger level is re-established. Duration of Restrictions The MODERATE (Blue) fire danger level will remain in effect until atmospheric and field conditions improve for a sustained period and the risks to residents, property, and emergency responders decrease to acceptable levels. Based on current forecasts, a minimum MODERATE level is expected to remain in place until at least September 30, 2026. Conditions will be monitored continuously, and fire danger levels are likely to be further elevated as the season progresses. For more information,please visit the Jefferson County Department of Community Development/Office of the Fire Marshal website at: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1687/Office-of-the-Fire-Marshal. Jefferson County Community Development '- Office of the Fire Marshal w-^- - (,2 I I>L ri:Lin st • I',rt I,,,,nscnJ \\ \ 08368 "' www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1687 1360.379.4450 Jefferson County Fire Danger levels and Restrictions Low: Green HIGH Low fire risk, No restrictions. NOOENRTE ( VfRY NIGX LOW i EXTREMEWhen the fire danger is "low" it means that fuels do not � ignite easily from small embers, but a more intense heat 0 Fire Danger:Low source, such as lightning may start fires in duff or dry rotten wood. Fires in open, dry grasslands may burn easily a few hours after a rain, but most wood fires will spread slowly, creeping or smoldering. Control of fires is generally easy. Allowed devices/activities: No restrictions, all lawful activities allowed Please note that ONLY recreational fires are allowed in Urban Growth Areas Urban growth area means land, generally including and associated with an incorporated city, designated by a county for urban growth under RCW 36.70A.030 Moderate: Blue HEN July 1 County Wide Restriction of all Residential Burning MODERATE /., VERY HIGH i and Land Clearing burning fires or as otherwise directed LOW EIRRfME based on atmospheric and field conditions. 0 Fire Danger:Moderate Prohibited devices/activities: Burn barrels, land clearing or yard debris burning, sky lanterns When the fire danger is "moderate" it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control. Page 1 of 3 Jefferson County Community Development 2Offi'� ce of the Fire Marshal 6- 1 �Ii,�ri,kiii 't • I'I�ri I,,vv n;enLi \\ \ 08368 ,,,,, www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1687 1360.379.4450 High: Yellow HIGH Prohibited devices/activities: Fireworks, charcoal MODERATE _ VERY NIGH grills, exploding targets, incendiary ammunition, E EIETREME firearm discharge on unimproved county lands, tiki style torches, no open flame devices Fire Danger:High When the fire danger is Thigh", fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small. No person shall operate or use any device liable to start or cause fire in or upon a "high" fire hazard. Restricted Open Flame Devices. No Wood, Charcoal Cooking Fires (BBQ). Tiki Torches. Liquid Fuel Candles or Lanterns. Gas or Propane Fired Weed Burners. Discharge of Fireworks of Any Type. Discharge of Fire Arms (Open Lands) - Undeveloped Lands of Jefferson County. Only Gas or Propane Fueled Appliances. - Enclosed Flame Only. (Example: - UL listed Wood Pellet Fed or Propane Barbeque Grills, Smokers.) Charcoal Grills are allowed at a place of residence only. Very High: Orange ,a0H Prohibited devices/activities: No open or enclosed MODERATE VERYNIGM flame devices other than UL listed residential propane LOW E.,,IEME or wood pellet grills 0 Fire Danger:Very High When the fire danger is "very high", fires will start easily from most causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires. Page 2 of 3 Jefferson County Community Development „.405 4 .'1'-.: Office of the Fire Marshal 621 Sheridan St • Port Toww n,cnd1 \\ \ Q8368 www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1687 1360.379.4450 No person shall build, ignite, or maintain any outdoor fire of any kind or character, or for any purpose whatsoever, in a Very High fire hazard area. No Outdoor Burning or Discharge of Fire arms. ONLY Gas or Propane Fueled Appliances. Extreme: Red No Outdoor Fire, Burning, or Discharge of Any kind or MODERATE _ VERY HIGH Type. No allowed devices at this level FULL BAN on LOW E%TREME any fire or burning related activity 0 Fire Danger:Extreme When the fire danger is "extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "very high" level. Spot fires are probable, with long distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days. Open burning, residential burning or land clearing burning will be prohibited during any period of impaired are quality as designated by ORCAA or the Department of Ecology or during times of high fire danger Questions about devices or activities not listed please contact the Fire Marshal's Office or your local Fire District Page 3 of 3