Local

Fire Marshal issues stage 1 fire safety burn ban for unincorporated King County

KING COUNTY, Wash. — Beginning Thursday, a stage 1 fire safety burn ban will go into effect for the unincorporated areas of King County.

The ban is due to the current and predicted dry weather conditions as the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-90s for the weekend, according to a release.

According to fire officials, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the county.

The ban will apply to “all outdoor burning, except for barbecues and small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission.””

“Extreme heat and especially dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfire dramatically,” King County Fire Marshal Ricketts says. “People in both rural and urban unincorporated areas need to use caution.”

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If you are looking to use a recreational fire, it should be limited as Rickett says it still poses a risk.

Recreational fire must:

  • Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds, and not be used as debris disposal
  • Be no larger than three feet in diameter
  • Be located in a clear spot, free from any vegetation for at least ten feet in a horizontal direction and at least 25 feet away from any structure, and allow 20 feet of vertical clearance from overhanging branches
  • Be attended at all times by an alert individual with equipment capable of extinguishing the fire

Now if one’s property is inside city limits where you live, your asked to call your local jurisdiction for its requirements.

Rickett says the ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Those using fireworks are also being reminded to be watchful when discharging fireworks as they can also pose a fire risk.

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