Posted: June 17, 2009 14:25:13 PST
Summer-time Fire Safety: Recreational Fires
Twenty-eight days without rain? Is it possible? Yes it is. This spring's lack of occasional rain showers has increased the community’s risk for significant fires from uncontrolled outdoor burning. As a reminder, residential burning is banned within the City limits with the exception of recreational burning. Recreational fires consist of only charcoal or firewood that is used for cooking or pleasure.
The Bellingham Fire Department wants to remind you of several important regulations that will ensure a safe recreational fire:
• Limit the diameter of the fire to less than 3 feet,
• Limit the height of the fire to less than 2 feet,
• Fires must be surrounded by a non-combustible material with a wire mesh cover to prevent sparks from escaping,
• The fire must be at least twenty-five (25) feet from structures and other combustibles,
• Have a portable fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby.
Also, think twice about starting a recreational fire in breezy/windy conditions. Given current vegetation moisture levels, all it would take is a small ember blowing in the wind to ignite a potentially significant fire.
There is a good chance that the dry weather will be with us throughout the summer. The Office of Washington State Climatologist calls for at least a 33% chance of below normal precipitation western WA though August. For additional information on safe recreational fires please visit the following websites:
City of Bellingham:
http://www.cob.org/services/safety/fire/outdoor-burning.aspx
Northwest Clean Air Agency
http://www.nwcleanair.org/pdf/resources/nwcaaPubs/BurningPermit_Pamphlet_11-06.pdf
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Media Contact
Jason Napier, Fire Marshal
BELLINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
360-778-8422
jnapier@cob.org
