Residents of Snohomish County should prepare to put their fire pits and wood piles to rest starting July 1, as the Fire Marshal's office has announced a Stage 1 outdoor burn ban for the unincorporated areas. Reported to go into effect through August 31, the ban suspends all residential burning, except recreational and cooking fires, citing the welfare of the community amidst the dry summer months.
In a recent release from Snohomish County, Washington, officials described the stipulations for these remaining allowed fires. Recreational fires must be contained, no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high, and closely monitored. A ready water source, such as a charged water hose or a five-gallon bucket of water, is required at all times to quickly douse flames if necessary. People are urged to safely enjoy their fires well away from structures or combustible materials to prevent any unintended spread.
All outdoor burn permits previously issued are now suspended for the duration of the burn ban. Portable outdoor fireplaces, too, aren't spared from regulations—they shall be operated within the manufacturer’s instructions and not be used within 15 feet of any structure or combustible material. This approach is to curtail any incident that might trigger a larger blaze, the type of which has been increasingly threatening regions such as Snohomish during these precarious periods of the year.
The ban is subject to extension, should the fire danger conditions continue to persist beyond August. Moreover, in the case of a "Red Flag Warning," indicative of the perfect storm for wildland fire combustion, all outdoor burning will be prohibited without further notice. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and consider the high fire risk before engaging in any form of outdoor burning. "If you have any doubts about safety, please don’t burn", the Snohomish County, Washington warned, reflecting a shared sentiment of caution and responsibility.
Updated information can be reached by contacting the Outdoor Burning Information Hotline at 425-388-3508. With the summer heat upon us, fire safety is a community concern, and adherence to these regulations can serve to protect not just individual properties but the spectrum of natural and human resources that compose Snohomish County.
