FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2010
Fire precaution level for woods workers raised in Ferry and Okanogan counties
Burning restrictions still in effect in northeast Washington
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is increasing in parts of northeast Washington.
The IFPL in zone 678E will continue to be a Level 1. The IFPL in zones 678W and 684 is moving from a Level 1 to a Level 2 (‘Partial Hootowl’), effective 12:01 a.m., Sunday, August 22, 2010. Partial Hootowl means that certain forest industrial activities are restricted to between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. This includes the cutting of firewood in the forest.
The following activities may take place only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.:
• Operating power saws (except at loading sites)
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding or cutting of metal
Those using chainsaws in the forest, including cutting firewood, must follow certain rules:
• Chainsaws must have approved, working exhaust systems.
• A one-hour fire watch must follow the last use of a chainsaw.
• A fire extinguisher, containing at least 8 ounces of retardant, must be in the immediate vicinity of where the chainsaw is used.
• A shovel must be retrievable within two minutes or less.
The fire danger rating for Okanogan and Ferry counties will remain at the ‘high’ level, which prohibits all burning on DNR-protected lands, except for campfires in approved campgrounds.
Get updates online
Daily updates on burn restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels by zone are available on DNR’s website at www.dnr.wa.gov or by calling 1-800-323-BURN. The direct link to a map of all IFPL zones in Washington State is: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/ifpl/IFPL.aspx
DNR’s wildfire mission
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private, state, and tribal-owned forestlands in Washington. DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department. During fire season, this includes more than 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 375 seasonal workers. DNR also participates in Washington’s coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.
Media Contacts:
Janet Pearce, Communications and Outreach, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov
Guy Gifford, DNR NE Region, 509-990-6218, guy.gifford@dnr.wa.gov
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