HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Danger Ratings 06.21.24 Jefferson County Community Development
Office of the Fire Marshal
621 Sheridan St • Port Townsend WA 98368
www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1687 | 360.379.4450
Jefferson County Fire Danger levels and Restrictions
Low Green Low fire risk, No restrictions.
When the fire danger is "low" it means that fuels do not ignite easily
from small embers, but a more intense heat 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 July 1 County Wide Restriction of all Residential Burning and Land
Clearing burning fires or as otherwise directed based on
atmospheric and field conditions. No other restrictions.
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.
Prohibited devices/ activities: Burn barrels, land clearing or yard debris burning, sky lanterns
High Yellow When the fire danger is "high", 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. ONLY Wood or Solid Fueled Cooking Fire - Enclosed Flame
Only. (Example: – Pellet Fed or Propane Barbeque Grills, Smokers.)
Prohibited devices/ activities: Fireworks, charcoal grills, exploding targets, incendiary
ammunition, firearm discharge on unimproved county lands, tiki style torches, no open flame
devices
Very High Orange 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.
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.
Prohibited devices/ activities: No open or enclosed flame devices other than UL listed
residential propane or wood pellet grills
Extreme Red No Outdoor Fire, Burning, or Discharge of Any kind or Type.
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.
Allowed devices/ activities: No allowed devices at this level FULL BAN on any fire or burning related
activity
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