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Home My WebLink AboutReview Fire Danger Level JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Mark McCauley, County Administrator FROM: Phil Cecere, Building Official Fire Marshal DATE: September 3, 2024 SUBJECT: Review the August 27, 2024 change in fire danger level and burn restrictions, changing from a high to very high level. STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Jefferson County Fire Marshal requests the Board of County Commissioners review a recent change in the fire danger level from Very High to High. ANALYSIS: As a requirement of newly adopted JCC 8.72.040(1),the Fire Marshal shall report any change in fire danger level to the Board following any change in fire danger level and corresponding burn restrictions. The Fire Marshal has observed the reduction in the risk level from Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)for central lowlands region. In recognition of the order and after consultation with the Jefferson County Fire Chief s Association, the decision was made to decrease the fire danger level to high. The previous declaration of High Fire Danger from the DNR Public Lands Commissioner remains in effect on state land. Attached are the high fire danger letter press release and Jefferson County burn level graphics with restrictions. FISCAL IMPACT: There are no direct fiscal impacts associated with this ordinance although efficiency would be improved. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board review the current changes and increase public awareness through discussion in a public meeting. REVIEWED BY: 01 e--X ' oZ Mark McCauley, County Administrator Date 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 August 27, 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 lowering of the fire danger risk level is appropriate. The fire danger risk level of HIGH is now 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. During an observance of HIGH FIRE HAZARD all restrictions from lower levels are in effect in addition to: • 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 fire danger risk level and restrictions are 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. In summary, only UL listed propane, charcoal and pellet fed barbeque devices at a residence is allowed under this risk level and all other outdoor burning activities and devices are not allowed. Recreational burning or "campfires" continue to be prohibited. Phil Cecere, Jefferson County Fire Marshal 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 a Office of the Fire Marshal 621 Sheridan St • Port Townsend WA 98368 www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1687 1360.379.4450 Jefferson County Fire Danger levels and Restrictions Low Green Low fire risk, No restrictions. NIGH_ When the fire danger is "low"it means that fuels do not ignite easily MODERATE `VERY NIGH from small embers, but a more intense heat source, such as lDW E%1REME 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 Fire Danger:Low 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 HIGH M[gfM7E VERYHIGN atmospheric and field conditions. No other restrictions. EOW MREME When the fire danger is "moderate" it means that fires can start Aft Wfrom most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually Fire Danger:Moderate pretty low. If afire 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 MODERATE `"IG""� VERY HIGH readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity EOW ' EXTREME burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious 0 Fire Danger:High 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. 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 When the fire danger is "very high",fires will start easily from most causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick HIGH MODERATE - - VERY HIGH increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly LOW EXTREME become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long- distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to Fire Danger:Very High 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. HIGH When the fire danger is "extreme".fires of all types start quickly MODERATE J -/i-\VERY HIGH and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread EO E EXTREME very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires � much faster than at the "very high"level. Spot fires are probable, 0 Fire Danger:Extreme 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