HomeMy WebLinkAbout060622as01 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: B and of County Commissioners
M. k McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: B lent A. Butler, Fire Marshal
D rector, Department of Community Development
DATE: June 6, 2022
SUBJECT: Workshop re: Fire Restrictions on Debris Burning
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, "long-term unusually dry conditions continued
despite the recent above normal precipitation." With the fire season approaching,the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), and county Fire Districts are preparing for impacts arising out of the
unusually dry conditions. After consultation with the East Jefferson Fire Rescue(EJFR) District 1 and
the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Department of Community Development("DCD")proposes
that the Board of County Commissioners ("BoCC") discus the adoption of a resolution to restrict fires.
As a result of the 2005 merger of EJFR with District 6 serving Cape George, Kala Point, and Beckett
Point and their 2006 consolidation with the Port Townsend Fire Department, EJFR District 1 is the
largest Fire District in Jefferson County. In advance of this workshop, EJFR consulted with the
county's other Fire Districts, including: District 2—Quilcene; District 3 —Port Ludlow; District
4—Brinnon; District 5—Discovery Bay/Gardiner; and District 7—Queets. Some Fire Chiefs may
participate by video.
As part of this workshop, DCD and the EJFR will share information related to fire restrictions
focusing on discussing and providing clarity with regard to four topics: 1) fire restrictions versus fire
ban, 2)regional variation in fire risk, 3) impact of the one-year delay for firework regulations to take
effect, 4) enforcement of new fire restrictions.
ANALYSIS:
The EJFR district and the Fire Marshal propose fire restrictions after comprehensively reviewing fire
alert levels and their associated colors to protect the general public's welfare and ensure clarity in
messaging especially with regards to wildland fires. As proposed, certain types of fire burning
activities would be prohibited in each fire alert level. A table that will be shared during the workshop
shall specify the type of activities that would be allowed and those that would not be permitted based
on the alert level. Secondly, regional climate variation suggests that a 'one shoe fits all'approach may
not be advisable given Jefferson County's microclimates with 110 inches of precipitation yearly in the
west end versus 23 inches yearly on the Quimper Peninsula. This workshop will provide the BoCC
with an understanding of how this regional variation could be addressed.
Thirdly, fireworks regul:lions typically require a one-year waiting period between adoption of an
ordinance and the imple entation of the ordinance's full force and effect. Meaning any fireworks
related regulations adde s to the municipal code could not take effect for 365 days. Nonetheless, there
are areas where the Bo SC has broad latitude to enact fire-related regulations that do not require this
delay. Finally, enforce ent continues to be an ongoing concern. How do we enforce provisions? This
fourth topic will enable he BoCC to deliberate and discuss best practice approaches with local fire
experts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impac .
RECOMMENDATION:
Commissioners listen to briefing, ask any questions and provide guidance regarding the development of a
resolution restricting fir;s for 2022, and an ordinance for future years.
REVIEWED BY:
4,/ _447-
Mark McCaul-# Count Administrator Date