Department of Ecology News Release - July 3, 2001
Drought update: prevent wildfires, urban fires and fireworks mishaps
OLYMPIA - Following is the Department of Ecology's (Ecology) weekly
report about the status of drought conditions in Washington, assistance
being provided by state agencies, and what citizens can do to conserve and
share water.
Status of drought conditions
The combination of drought conditions, some unseasonably dry forests
and Fourth of July fireworks could result in forest or urban fires.
The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging people to
be especially careful with fire and fireworks throughout the summer, but
especially on the Fourth of July.
"Remember, forests and fireworks don't mix," said Commissioner of
Public Lands Doug Sutherland. "All of us need to be careful when using
fireworks. Use them legally, safely and with caution."
Wildfires, urban fires and fireworks
People cause 85 percent of the fires in state or private forests.
As of June 26, Washington's federal, state and private forests had
287 fires that burned more than 4,000 acres. People started most of the
fires either deliberately or accidentally.
Another wildfire is burning near Naches today. It has burned nearly
300 acres and is threatening about a dozen homes.
With more people living in or near wooded areas, mishaps from
fireworks are a growing threat to rural homes and valuable wildlife habitat,
timber and rangeland.
State law prohibits fireworks on private and state forestlands, as
well as undeveloped rural suburban lots with brush, Scotch broom and other
flammable vegetation. Some communities have also banned fireworks within
city limits.
"I want people to have a great Fourth of July, but I'm stressing
extra caution, given the dry conditions in some of our forests," said
Sutherland. "We are lucky to have had recent rains, but that is not a
guarantee that a spark or flame won't spread."
Drought-related water permits
Since March 14, when Ecology declared a drought emergency, farmers
and municipalities in Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, King, Kitsap,
Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Walla Walla and Yakima counties have applied
for 52 temporary emergency water permits and 111 temporary emergency
transfers or changes to existing water rights to help maintain their water
supplies.
Ecology has approved 44 applications and denied four applications
for emergency water permits since the drought emergency was declared. The
department also has approved 92 applications and denied three applications
to change or transfer existing water rights.
Fire prevention tips for this week
Take care of campfires. Keep fires less than four feet in diameter,
with no less than a 10-foot clearance around them. Never leave fires
unattended. Keep water and a shovel el handy and use both to put
out fires. Be sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving the
area.
A cigarette burns at about 800 degrees, so avoid smoking in forests
and never put out cigarettes in grass or forests. Extinguish
cigarettes with water or dirt.
Fix faulty vehicle or motorcycle mufflers. Catalytic converters
operate at about 1,800 degrees and can quickly leave a string of sparks and
fires behind a vehicle. Limit vehicle driving to approved roads and
off-road vehicle trails.
Homeowners who live in or near forested areas should prune, remove
and clean up flammable plants and debris. Avoid using fire to remove
debris. County solid waste programs have information on debris
collection or drop-off sites. Comply with all local city and county
burning rules. Most urban areas do not allow burning. It is illegal for
people to burn garbage or other materials, except natural plant matter, such
as yard waste, tumbleweeds and brush.
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