County-wide burn ban starts Monday, August 8

Photo by usfwssoutheast

The King County Fire Marshal and the King County Fire Chiefs’ Association have called for a county-wide Burn Ban starting Monday, August 8, 2011 at 8 am and lasting until Friday, September 30, 2011. 

This ban is prompted by ground conditions and forecasts calling for continued dry weather and is to prevent outdoor fires, rather than being a ban because of stagnant air creating air quality problems.

This Phase 1 burn ban applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or private property with the owner’s permission. 

These fires must:

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds;
• Grow no larger than three feet across;
• Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches; and
• Be attended at all times by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques will continue to be allowed under the ban.

For more information on local fire restrictions, the public can call 1-800-323-BURN or visit the King County Fire Marshal Services website.