By Steve Marler, San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office
Everyone is asked to be very cautious with any outdoor fire. However, the current level of fire risk throughout San Juan County does not warrant an outright ban of open fires. Following is a statement of the County Fire Marshal’s Office position on recreational fires.
A recent press release by the State’s Commissioner of Public Lands, Peter Goldmark, has created some confusion about campfires. Currently, throughout San Juan County, recreational fires remain allowable as long as they are within a fire ring, the fire itself is less than two feet in diameter, and the entire fire is surrounded by at least two feet of clear area. Fires in campgrounds are still allowed, although individual campground operators always have the authority to prohibit open fires on their property at any time of the year.
Commissioner Goldmark’s action was taken in response to extreme fire risk conditions east of the Cascades. San Juan County’s fire officials are monitoring “fuel moisture” on a daily basis. Throughout San Juan County, the fire risk remains “Moderate”, meaning that extra caution should be used should a recreational fire be kindled. Residents and visitors alike are reminded that a campfire should NEVER be left unattended unless it is completely out and cold.
The San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office is a cooperative effort of the fire districts on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands, along with San Juan County.
More information is available at www.sjcfiremarshal.org and www.dnr.wa.gov.
