PORT TOWNSEND – The Jefferson County Department of Community Development has issued a burn ban on all open burning in East Jefferson County.
The ban “doesn’t include camp fires,” said Al Scalf, director of the Jefferson County Department of Community Development, who also acts as the county’s fire marshal.
The ban took effect on Monday.
It is identical to a ban that began Sunday across Clallam County and is not likely to be lifted until October.
The ban restricts brush fire burning in East Jefferson County fire districts, which includes East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, Port Ludlow, Discovery Bay, Quilcene and Brinnon.
In Clallam County campfires smaller than three feet in diameter will be allowed in pits or rings but any other burning, such as yard waste or trash, is prohibited.
Small white “burn ban” signs could be seen posted along roads in Clallam County and near major work sites.
The ban is in effect because of dry conditions that create a higher risk that grass could ignite from a small spark or firebrand.
“There is a science behind it,” Scalf said of calling for a burn ban.
Burn bans in Jefferson County are based on restrictions imposed by the state Department of Natural Resources.
The state bans most non-cooking fires when fire danger reaches a moderate level.
The bans become more restrictive as the fire danger increases during the summer.
For more information on the burn ban, phone the Jefferson County Department of Community Development at 360-379-4450 or visit www.co.jefferson.wa.us/services/FireDangerLinks.html.
