Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 5, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor returns burn control to local jurisdictions

OLYMPIA - Effective last night at midnight, Gov. Gary Locke has lifted the emergency order that declared a statewide burn ban, and has returned the decisions to local authorities, including the departments of Natural Resources (DNR), Ecology, Agriculture and federal agencies.

"Although the current danger of wildfires varies throughout the state, the risk of potential wildfire remains very high in many parts of the state," Locke said. "I urge citizens to follow good fire safety, exercise extreme caution, and to contact local and state authorities before you burn, especially in eastern Washington."

The governor's decision also lifts the requirement for getting exemptions to the burn ban on agricultural burning. The agricultural community should work within the pre-existing guidelines established by local and state authorities prior to the ban to ensure conditions are safe for a controlled burn. The Department of Ecology will continue to work with agricultural burners to protect Washington's air quality.

Most burning on private and state forestland requires a permit from the DNR. Burning on other lands must be coordinated through the local fire district. Contact your local district or the DNR for current burning requirements. Information about burning on forestland protected by DNR is available by calling 1-800-323-BURN (2876).

Locke extended his personal appreciation to citizens in Washington for their vigilance to preventing wildfire during this period.

Locke thanked State Fire Marshal Mary Corso and her staff, the DNR, the Department of Ecology and the Department of Agriculture for taking the necessary steps to protect Washington homes and natural resources during this time of extremely high fire danger. Locke also thanked the National Guard and the State Emergency Operation Center for their work on wildfires, along with the thousands of wildland and structural firefighters from across the state for their diligence and fortitude in their firefighting efforts.

Fire officials urge citizens enjoying Washington's outdoors to practice fire safety. Until the fall and winter rains dampen the burnable fuels on the forest floor, people are urged to restrict yard and land-clearing debris or recreational bonfires.

Build campfires only in approved, metal or concrete-lined fire pits in designated campgrounds, or rock-lined, soil-based fire pits in primitive campgrounds. Use barbecues or bottled gas cook stoves in the rural outdoor setting.

If allowed, make sure your campfire is completely out and cold to the touch before leaving.

Contact the appropriate landowner to determine any public-use restrictions or access closures associated with state, federal or private lands.

To prevent destructive fires from exhaust systems or catalytic converters on all-terrain vehicles, motorhomes, cars, and other spark-emitting equipment, keep vehicles off dry grass, check spark arresters and be prepared by having a shovel and fire extinguisher on your vehicle or equipment if a fire should start.

Use your ashtray, if you smoke.

Additional fire prevention tips are available at http://www.firewise.org or http://www.pnwfire.org. Citizens are invited to request a free Wildfire Safety Kit from DNR by calling toll-free 1-888-783-9548, or Telephone Device for the Deaf at 1-800-833-6388, or e-mail your name and address to: [email protected]

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