FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2009
Fire precaution level rises for wood workers
Burn restrictions still in effect in Northeast Washington
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that fire danger ratings have once more increased, resulting in additional burn restrictions in northeast Washington. Fire restrictions apply to those who work in the forest.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) in zone 686 is moving from a Level I to a Level II: Partial Hootowl, effective 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Zones 678E, 684, 685, and 688 remain at Level II. Zone 678W remains at a Level I.
Level II: Partial Hootowl means that all forest industrial activities must take place between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This includes using a chainsaw to cut firewood in the forest. Additionally, the following requirements need to be met for all people using a chainsaw in the forest:
- An approved, working exhaust system must be in place.
- One-hour fire watch must take place after last chainsaw usage.
- A fire extinguisher, at least 8 ounces, must be in the immediate vicinity.
- A shovel must be retrievable within two minutes of the operator.
The fire danger rating for all of Okanogan County will remain at the ‘very high’ level. This means that all outdoor burning, including campfires, is prohibited on DNR-protected lands in Okanogan County.
Fire danger ratings for Spokane, Lincoln, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties will remain at the ‘high’ level, which prohibits all burning on DNR-protected lands, except for campfires in approved campgrounds.
The public is reminded, before they burn, check with local authorities on local burn restrictions. For daily updates on burn restrictions, call 1-800-323-BURN or visit DNR’s web page showing fire danger and burning restrictions by county: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.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 Contact: Guy Gifford, DNR NE Region, 509-990-6218, guy.gifford@dnr.wa.gov .
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