Both the King County and Pierce County Fire Marshals have issued a Stage 1 fire safety burn ban effective July 1.
The King County ban applies to unincorporated areas of King County. Residents of cities should contact their local jurisdiction to find out if there is a burn ban in their area.
“Although we might see some showers this week, these past months we have seen unusually dry and warm weather making conditions ripe for fires,” said Chris Ricketts, King County Fire Marshal. “As trees, underbrush, and grassy fields dry out, they can become a threat to nearby homes. We need to minimize risks as we head into fire season.”
Pierce County’s ban is county-wide, impacting only those in unincorporated Pierce County. Pierce County Fire Marshal in partnership with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association has declared a county-wide burn ban. This ban is also due to current and predicted dry weather and the forecast of possible drought conditions.
During a Stage 1 burn ban:
– All outdoor burning is prohibited, except for recreational fires in approved devices and locations.
– All burning permits are suspended until further notice and no additional permits will be issued in the unincorporated areas of King County.
– Recreational fires must be in a designated fire pit using only charcoal or dry firewood (no milled lumber).
While the burn ban is in effect, fireworks bought at legal retailers may still be discharged in both unincorporated King (on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight) and Pierce County (during designated hours and in legal locations).
Residents are encouraged to consider attending a professional fireworks display as an alternative.
For more information, check kcemergency.com/wildfire-smoke-info or kingcounty.gov/burnban and https://waburnbans.net/recent-burn-bans/pierce/
The above is a press release from King County and Pierce County. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents.
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