HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes-2017-109 Burn BanKITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION 2017-10 q
A RESOLUTION DECLARING A BAN ON OUTDOOR BURNING
WHEREAS, the Department of Natural Resources requires a burn ban in DNR protected lands
outside of a fire district, with the exception of designated campgrounds with approved fire pits;
and
WHEREAS, Kittitas County is currently experiencing severe dry conditions, high energy
release components for fuel models, and low 1,OOO-hr fuel moisture contents; and
WHEREAS, the Kittitas County Fire Marshal's Office has alerted the citizens of Kittitas County
to the extent that the severe dry conditions are creating a dangerous fire hazard; and
WHEREAS, different fire danger levels exist within the fire districts due to topography and
vegetation;
WHEREAS, agricultural burning is an integral part of our rural environment and shall be
allowed based on Department of Ecology regulations and requirements;
WHEREAS, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, Fire District 1, Fire District 3, Fire District 6, Fire
District 7, Fire District 8 require a full burn ban to include recreational fires and BBQ briquettes;
and
WHEREAS, Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue requires a burn ban which prohibits all burning
other than recreational cooking fires less than 2' x 2' but will go into a full ban when conditions
warrant; and
WHEREAS, Fire District 4 require a burn ban which prohibits all burning other than
recreational campfires in the Riverstone Resort less than 2' x 3'; and
WHEREAS, the Kittitas County Fire Marshal has determined that it is in the best interest of the
County to implement the burn ban; and
WHEREAS, State statutes give the counties authority to issue emergency declarations;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners,
in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Kittitas County, and in
response to the continued threat of fire, declare an immediate burn ban until further notice:
THE OPEN BURNING BAN shall include, but not be limited to: Burning wood, brush, weeds
and other ground cover not associated with the exempt agricultural burning, bonfires, or the open
burning of any materiel or fuel for any purpose that creates a fire hazard; or, for Kittitas Valley
Fire and Rescue, Fire Districts 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, wood, coal, or charcoal briquette camp fires or cook
fires:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this declaration shall be effective immediately upon
signature by the Board of County Commissioners ofthe County of Kittitas, Washington; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution will be available from the Clerk
of Kittitas County at the Kittitas County Board of Commissioner's office at 205 W. 5th Street,
Ellensburg, Washington.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS DAY J vii Y I g , 2017
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ABSENT
a liI ' iad(lcz Vice Chairman
~~
Obie O'Brien , Commissioner
KITTITAS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE
411 N. Ruby St., Suite 2, Ellensburg, W A 98926
Office (509) 962-7657 Fax (509) 962-7682
MEMORANDUM
To : Board of County Commissioners
From: Josh Hink, Fire Marshal
Subject: Burn Ban
Date: July 12, 2017
A fire hazard currently exists in various parts of Kittitas County due to high temperatures, lowering relative
humidity and low fuel moisture content of 10, 100 and 1,000 hr fuels. As Fire Marshal of Kittitas County I am
imposing a prohibition against open burning and recreational fires in all of unincorporated Kittitas County.
Open burning is prohibited within the boundaries of Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue. Additionally, the City of
Kittitas has requested that the County include them in the burn ban.
Open Burning. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the
ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber, and is not defined within
the parameters of a recreational fire.
Recreational Fire. Outdoor burning of materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is
contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, chimera, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area
of 3 feet (914mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610mm) or less in height, used for pleasure, religious,
ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources state-wide burn ban on all DNR protected lands
becomes effective July 1,2017 through September 30,2017, and applies to all outdoor burning. All fire
districts within Kittitas County have been notified of this action.
This burn ban is in effect as of 12:00 pm on Wednesday July 12.2017.
Prevention. Education. Investigation. Enforcement
Version 2009.2