PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County’s fire danger risk level will be raised from moderate to high beginning Wednesday.
Factors considered include input received from the state Department of Natural Resources, Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, the National Weather Service and other state, federal and local agencies, according to a press release from the Office of the Fire Marshal.
The letter, signed by Fire Marshal Phil Cecere, said the decision, which creates community safeguards against fire danger, is made alongside county fire chiefs.
Jefferson County Code (JCC) 8.72.020 (6) defines 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, all recreational burning is prohibited, according to the press release.
Use of charcoal briquettes is prohibited except in commercially made and labeled barbecue devices located and used at residences, according to JCC 8.72.040(5)(c)(i).
Target shooting outside of gun ranges is prohibited as is the use of exploding targets or incendiary ammunition, according to JCC 8.72.040(5)(c)(ii). The code allows for hunting in open areas.
The discharge, manufacture, sale, storage or transportation of fireworks is prohibited, according to JCC 8.75.040(2).
A list of exceptions, including the storage and transportation of consumer fireworks, as defined by RCW 70.77.136, can be found at JCC 8.75.040(2).
All recreational burning is banned, according to the press release.
Gas and propane fueled appliances are allowed, and wood appliances with enclosed flames are allowed as well, according to the press release.
“Charcoal or wood barbecue device use at Jefferson County parks, camping, or beaches continues to be prohibited,” the press release stated. “No discharge of firearms on undeveloped lands of Jefferson County is allowed.”
The declaration will be in effect until atmospheric and field conditions have fallen to an acceptable level for a measurable length of time, according to the press release.
The determinations that the risk to residents, property and first responders is at an acceptable level will precede reducing the risk level, according to the press release.
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman @sequimgazette.com.
