— from R.J. Myers, Fire Inspector, OIFR —
Summer time is upon us here on Orcas Island. With the sun shining, temperatures maintaining, and a unusually dry winter throughout the state, we are set for a higher than normal fire risk this season. Orcas Island Fire and Rescue would like to take a moment to remind islanders and visitors to keep fire prevention in mind.
Outdoor permit burning (commercial / residential), currently remain open until June 30, 2015, with restriction:
- Burning will only take place from dawn to 12:00 p.m.
- Please contact Orcas Fire and Rescue at (360) 376-2331 the night before or prior to initiating the burn.
Recreational campfires no larger than two feet in diameter are allowed without permits even in the Eastsound Urban Growth Area except when a “Burn Ban” is in effect. You can find this information on our Fire Stations and on the San Juan County Fire Marshal website as well as ours www.orcasfire.org.
In addition, please take the time to accomplish the following recommendations and greatly reduce your fire risk to you, your family, and community:
- Keep lawns short
- Fields and vegetation should be mowed and kept short
- Prune trees and plants adjacent to buildings
- Clean up dry debris from the ground
- Refrain from stacking firewood and other flammable materials against homes and out buildings
Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency for Washington on May 15 of this year, meaning rainfall and snowpack are both below normal levels and watersheds in our state are affected.
If you have questions about burning or property mitigation of wildfire hazards in or around your home please feel free to call Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. We will be happy to assist you.
Have a fun and safe summer.
