Several state agencies are advising citizens that despite cool and wet conditions so far this summer there still exists the danger for residential and wildland fires, especially around the July 4 holiday and as the summer gets hotter and vegetation dries out.
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal there were 264 fires in 2011 caused by fireworks, with 89 residential fires creating an estimated loss of $568,846. In a news release, State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy noted that using fireworks in a negligent or reckless manner can have criminal and/or legal consequences, which range from being charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or even a felony.
A gross misdemeanor can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison. Possession of illegal explosive devices, such as M-80's, a homemade device or an altered firework is both a state and federal offense.
Department of Natural Resources officials expressed similar concerns, noting it is illegal to discharge fireworks on DNR-protected and public lands. Since January, DNR has already suppressed approximately 143 fires that have burned nearly 872 acres on DNR-protected lands.
Not surprisingly, DNR records show fire danger is highest Saturday and Sunday afternoons when the woods fill up with recreationists. Unattended campfires, fireworks, faulty vehicle or motorcycle mufflers, careless disposal of cigarettes, and outdoor burning are among the common sources of wildfire starts in Washington.
“The major wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico remind us how destructive they can be to our homes and lives,” Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands said. “We urge everyone to exercise caution with any fire-related activities this holiday weekend.”
Duffy's office noted that fireworks-generated fires can be prevented if people follow the three B's of fire safety: Be Prepared by having water nearby and putting pets indoors, be safe in allowing only adults to light fireworks and be responsible by cleaning up debris when done.
Residents should talk with family members and guests about the fireworks laws for their area. Most cities and towns in Spokane County have banned individual fireworks.
According to the DNR a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands will go into place July 1 and run through Sept. 30. This applies to all forestlands in Washington under DNR fire protection, but does not apply to federal lands.
Campfires are permitted on DNR-managed lands in approved fire pits. To have a fun, enjoyable and safe weekend or camping trip, DNR reminds citizens it is illegal to discharge fireworks on DNR-protected and public lands and suggests never leave a campfire unattended, and be sure it is completely out before leaving the area, recreational vehicles have operating spark arresters and do not park any vehicles in dry, grassy areas as the heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.
The following sites can provide information during wildfire season:
• DNR's Fire Twitter at http://twitter.com/waDNR_fire
• DNR Fire Update at http://www.dnr.wa.gove/Publications/rp_fire_currentfireinfodailyupdates.pdf
• Incident Information System (InciWeb) at http://www.inciweb.org/state/49.
DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands, and is the state's largest on-call fire department, with over 1,000 employees trained and available to be dispatched to fires as needed. During fire season, this includes over 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 400 seasonal employees hired for firefighting duties.
Additionally, Department of Corrections' adult offenders and Department of Social and Health Services-Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration juvenile offenders participate in the DNR Correctional Camps Program. DNR also participates in Washington's coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.
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