Warning about danger of wildland fire

Warning about danger of wildland fire

The danger rating for wildland fire has been elevated to “Moderate” by the Orcas Island Fire Department. Lopez and San Juan, however, will keep the level at “Low” for at least another week, while the two departments monitor weather conditions and risk factors.

This “Moderate” rating primarily impacts larger commercial burning. However, common sense points out that the hottest time of the day is usually around 2 p.m.

Wildland firefighter Max Jones, with the Orcas Island Fire Department, suggests that outdoor burning should be done during the cooler, damp morning hours. But she reminds everyone to use extreme caution regardless of the time when he or she is burning outdoors.

“It is extremely dry and has been unusually warm. It could be a dangerouls combination for Orcas Island this fire season,” Jones explained.

Any fire larger than two-foot around by two-foot in height requires a burn permit. “Don’t’ leave a fire unattended for even a moment,” she says.

“Orcas lost an autobody repair facility recently to a small burn pile left unattended for a short period of time.

Jones also advises that this is a good time to remove potential wildland fire “fuels” from around the home. Dead and down debris like limbs, brush, firewood and dead or flammable brush and grasses should be removed to create at least a 30-foot “fire free” or buffer zone around homes and structures.

The Orcas Island Fire Department offers a free home visit and an assessment of the area around each home. For further information call Jones at 376-2331.

The summer burn ban is set to take effect June 30. However, according to Lopez Fire Chief Rob Miesen, people who have burning to complete before the ban takes effect had better get it done soon because the closure may be moved up if dry weather persists.

For more information call the Orcas Island Fire Department at 376-2331 during regular business hours, or the Burning Hot Line 24/7 at 376-6600. Lopez’s fire department can be reached at 468-2991.

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