Eastside Fire and Rescue starts summer burn ban; permits needed for cooking, campfires

Although the wet spring season may have led many to believe that the area doesn't need a burn moratorium this year, Eastside Fire & Rescue expects warmer days, and started a season burn ban as a precaution.

EFR began its annual burning moratorium on Wednesday, June 15. This moratorium does not apply to propane, natural gas or charcoal fires, but does apply to other recreational and cooking fires, such as campfires.

For cooking and recreational fires, a no-fee permit is required, which is not subject to the seasonal burn ban.

• Use only dry seasoned wood.

• Fires shall not be larger than 3 feet across, and 2 feet high.

• All fires must be contained in a barbecue pit, fire ring or other approved appliances such as manufactured portable fireplace units.

• Any fire using wood is subject to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency burn ban.

For residential burning, a no-fee permit is required. These fires are subject to the moratorium, and to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency burn bans. Residents can apply for permits at their local EF&R stations, or at the Issaquah headquarters.

Burning to clear land is permanently banned within King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

The moratorium runs from June 15 to Sept. 30, an applies to areas within the EF&R service area. The King County Fire Marshal’s Office may impose a burn ban due to extreme fire danger, too.

The fire weather outlook for this year indicates that summer will be warmer and dryer this year. Brush fires significantly increase during the summer months; EF&R has already responded to 14 brush fires between May 1 and June 15.

You can help protect your home against wildfires by building a defensible space around your home: www.firewise.org or www.eastsidefire-rescue.org

For burn ban information contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at: 1-800-595-4341. For questions on Eastside Fire & Rescue’s annual moratorium call (425) 313-3200.

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