August 2, 2012
Wildfire preparedness information available for Ferry County residents
DNR to present Firewise material at Commissioners’ public meeting
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is teaming up with Ferry County Commissioners to offer a short Firewise Communities presentation at the next Ferry County Commissioners’ Public Meeting.
Residents will receive wildfire preparedness information. Presentation materials will include Firewise Communities information, defensible space pointers, and cost share assistance opportunities.
| Who: | Ferry County Residents |
| What: | Wildfire Preparedness Information |
| When: | August 13, 2012; 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Where: | Commissioners’ Office, 290 E. Tessie Avenue, Republic, WA |
Ferry County residents are still recovering from the devastating wind storm that occurred on July 20, 2012. The potential for a catastrophic wildfire in Ferry County was high prior to the windstorm. It is even greater now that there is a tremendous amount of tree debris on the ground. This material is drying quickly and may lead to more intense wildfires this summer. Fortunately, there are actions that can be taken before the next fire ignition that will help lessen the risk to the citizens of Ferry County.
Directions
From westbound Highway 20
Follow Highway 20 west into the City of Republic. Highway 20 turns into Clark Avenue. Turn right on Delaware Avenue. Turn left on Adams Street, and drive north to the intersection of Tessie Blvd. The Commissioners’ Building is located at the intersection of Tessie and Adams.
From eastbound Highway 20
Follow Highway 20 east into the City of Republic. Turn left on Clark Avenue. Turn right on Delaware Avenue. Turn left on Adams Street and drive north to the intersection of Tessie Blvd. The Commissioners’ Building is located at the intersection of Tessie and Adams.
Burn restrictions
Daily updates on burn restrictions are available at 1-800-323-BURN or on DNR’s website at www.dnr.wa.gov, then click on ‘fire information and prevention’ and go to ‘wildfire related maps.’ The ‘burn risk map’ link is in the bottom right-hand corner.
Statewide burn ban
In an effort to reduce human-caused wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands, effective July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012. The ban includes all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire.
DNR’s wildfire mission
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands. DNR 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.
Media Contacts:
Janet Pearce, Community Outreach & Education, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov
Steve Harris, Northeast Region, 509-685-2712, steven.harris@dnr.wa.gov
REPOST
Source: DNR
NW Fire Blog 