Residents of unincorporated Pierce County can look forward to a slight relaxation of burn restrictions as officials reduce the prohibition from Stage 2 to Stage 1 starting on September 15, according to a recent announcement by Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice. In partnership with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association, Rice indicates that the shift comes after an evaluation of weather forecasts, which suggest a decrease in fire danger thanks to cooler weather and expected rainfall.
However, even though the risk level is lowered, there are still specific rules residents must adhere to under Stage 1 restrictions; yard waste and land-clearing material cannot be burned, yet the use of barbecues and fires in approved pits are permitted but residents should maintain vigilance, "Long-term forecasts call for cooler temperatures and increased moisture, which both help to lower overall fire risk," Fire Marshal Ken Rice explained, "Even so, residents should remain vigilant and continue following safe burning practices.” Rules for the incorporated areas of Pierce County may differ, so local jurisdiction contacts are essential for those community members, as per Pierce County's official announcement.
The adjustment reflects the fire department's ongoing management of burn risks, as Pierce County initially instated a Stage 1 burn ban in June and then raised it to Stage 2 in July amid drier conditions. With this cautious scaling back, officials continue to emphasize the importance of careful burning habits to protect the community and ecosystem from the dangers of uncontrolled fire.
For further clarity on what is or isn't allowed during this Stage 1 ban, residents should visit the Pierce County website or reach out directly to their local fire department for details, the Stage 1 burn ban indicates a relative ease in restrictions; it is still incumbent upon the community to perform due diligence when it comes to fire safety these measures are critical to preserving safety and following county guidelines.
