HomeMy WebLinkAboutHigh Fire Hazard Declaration 2024 Mission Statement
To preserve and enhance the quality of life in Jefferson County by promoting a vibrant
economy, sound communities and a healthy environment.
Jefferson County Community Development
Office of the Fire Marshal
Phil Cecere
621 Sheridan St • Port Townsend WA 98368
Desk: 360.379.4450 Web: https://co.jefferson.wa.us/1687
For immediate release July 10, 2024
The Jefferson County Fire Marshal and the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs are tasked with
instilling safeguards against hazards to life and safety from dangerous conditions
associated with fire, protecting residents, firefighters, emergency responders,
community assets, and property.
Due to current atmospheric and field conditions a DECLARATION OF HIGH FIRE
HAZARD is in effect. In coordination, County Fire Chiefs and the County Fire Marshal
agree that conditions warrant this declaration. Several factors are at play in this
decision, including but not limited to input received from DNR, ORCCA, NWS, and other
state, federal, and local agencies.
Chapter 8.72 JCC (Ordinance No. 04-0617-24) and Chapter 8.75 JCC define HIGH
FIRE HAZARD as “a period of hot, dry weather accompanied by low fuel moistures,
where fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely and are difficult to control
unless they are successfully attacked when the fires are small. It is during this period
that wildland fires can be expected, and fire growth will be accelerated.”
During a declaration of HIGH FIRE HAZARD:
• Use of charcoal briquettes is prohibited, except for commercially made listed and
labeled barbeque devices located and used at a residence. JCC
8.72.040(5)(c)(i).
• Target shooting outside of gun ranges, and use of exploding targets or incendiary
ammunition is prohibited. Hunting is allowed in open areas. JCC
8.72.040(5)(c)(i).
• The discharge, manufacture, sale, storage, or transportation of fireworks is
prohibited. JCC 8.75.040(2).
• Outdoor burning is restricted; no recreational burning (campfires).
This declaration is in effect until atmospheric and field conditions fall to an acceptable
level for a length of time to determine that the threat has lessened and that risk to
residents, property, and emergency responders has subsided to acceptable levels.
Phil Cecere, Jefferson County Fire Marshal