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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-062 - Res. Establishing the Mason County Fire Marshal's Burn Ban Policy RESOLUTION NO. 20 22-0l0 2 A Resolution Establishing the Mason County Fire Marshal's Burn Ban Policy WHEREAS, wild fire seasons have grown longer and Mason County has been subjected to an increasing number of heatwaves and wild fire threats and a necessity has emerged to establish a unified policy to implement burn restrictions and burn bans; and, WHEREAS, at the State and Federal levels the National Fire Danger Rating System has been established and a consistent and coordinated approach for the implementation of burn restrictions and/or bans is needed to minimize public confusion and reduce the demand on the Fire Districts; and, WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Mason County Fire Marshal's Burn Ban Policy at the August 30, 2022 Regular meeting; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of County Commissioners of Mason County hereby adopt the Mason County Fire Marshal's Burn Ban Policy(Attachment A)and add it to the Mason County Code. DATED this 2��" day of , 2022. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON �x,QNVYkIII McKenzie S ith, rk of the Board Kevin Shutty,CJ1air APPROVED AS TO FORM: _���.,,,, -2—.11 ' Sharon Trask'Vice-Chair Tim Wh �ea ief �rosecuting Attorney Randy N therlin,Commi r Mason County Fire Marshal’s Office POLICY: Burn Restrictions APPROVED BY: Mason County BOCC PAGE 1 OF 2 EFFECTIVE DATE: September 27, 2022 Originated: July 10, 2022 Page: 1 of 2 PURPOSE As a County of rural properties and large forested areas, the use of controlled fire has played an important role for its residents and timber industry. Due to the number of fire agencies involved in the permitting and response component as well as the sensitivity of the public, there is a need to develop a uniform process for the implementation of such restrictions. The purpose of this policy is to provide a consistent and coordinated approach for implementing burn restrictions and/or bans in Mason County that follows a widely accepted and scientific process. While it is in the best interest of all stakeholders to remain consistent, nothing in this policy shall limit the ability of a specific fire agency to implement a more restrictive approach if warranted by other factors such as staffing patterns or climatic conditions unique to their jurisdiction DEFINITIONS Land Clearing Burning: Outdoor burning of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation from land clearing projects (I.E. projects that clear the land so it can be developed, used for a different purpose or left unused). Please note a permit for this activity is first required from the Mason County Fire Marshal’s Office. Residential Burning: The outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, pruning and other natural yard and gardening refuse by a property owner. Such activities do not require a permit but are prohibited in the Urban Growth Areas of Allyn, Belfair and Shelton. Recreational Burning: Cooking and campfires using charcoal or firewood in a metal, concrete or rock circle such as those typically found in campgrounds Exempt Appliances/Devices: Gas appliances (grills, bar-b-ques and fire pits), smokers and wood fired pizza ovens METHODOLOGY Of the various systems used for implementing burn restrictions, the most widely used is the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) which identifies five color coded levels of fire danger ranging from Low (Green) to Extreme (Red) and is summarized in Table 1 below. As a system that has been adopted by Federal Fire Agencies as well as the Washington Department of National Resources (DNR), the NFDRS shall be used as the methodology to establish burn restrictions within Mason County. Additional information on the NFDRS can be found at: https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/products/pms932.pdf POLICY Due to the overlap in State and local jurisdictional responsibility and to minimize public confusion, it shall be the policy of the Mason County Fire Marshal’s Office (MCFMO) and Mason County Fire Chief’s Association (MCFCA) to remain as consistent as possible with any burn restrictions or bans implemented on Federal or DNR lands. To that end, when notified by the DNR of any impending restrictions, they shall be mirrored by the MCFMO and MCFCA. These usually occur during the Cooperating Agencies Conference Call held each Wednesday at 10 AM between the Federal Fire Agencies and DNR when the predicted fire danger for the upcoming week is announced. Depending on the level of fire danger, the corresponding burning restriction identified in Table 1 will apply. Mason County Fire Marshal’s Office POLICY: Burn Restrictions APPROVED BY: Mason County BOCC PAGE 2 OF 2 EFFECTIVE DATE: September 27, 2022 Originated: July 10, 2022 Page: 2 of 2 Table 1 NFDRS & Corresponding Restrictions Fire Danger Rating and Color Code Description Land Clearing Residential Burning Recreational Burning Low (L) Green Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands although a more intense heat source such as lighting may start fires in duff or punky wood. Fires in open cured grasslands may burn freely a few hours after rain but wood fires spread slowly by creeping or smoldering and burn in irregular fingers. Allowed (Permit Required) Allowed Allowed Moderate (M) Blue Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning, fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. Restricted Restricted Allowed High (H) Yellow All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short distance spotting is common. High intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of finer fuels Restricted Restricted Restricted if by DNR Proclamation or ORRCA Very High (VH) Orange Fires start easily from all causes and immediately after ignition spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn into heavier fuels Restricted Restricted Restricted Extreme (E) Red Fires start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition Restricted Restricted Restricted On occasion, situations may arise that warrant implementing burn restrictions at a time outside of the Cooperating Agencies Conference Call. If this should occur, the MCFMO shall work with DNR and the MCFCA in an expeditious manner to make such a determination as soon as is practical. NOTIFICATION/MESSAGING Once a determination has been made to implement any burn restrictions, it is imperative a clear and consistent message is disseminated to the fire community, allied governmental agencies, elected officials and the general public. To achieve this, the MCFMO shall take the following actions: •Alert the Fire Districts using the Active 911 system prior to notifying the media and general public •Issue a press release to prominent media organizations and the general public •Post the information on the County website home page and Fire Marshal’s website •Post to the County’s Facebook page In addition to these activities, all County Fire Districts shall make a good faith effort to share and distribute this information to the public within their respective jurisdictions. It is recognized that when restrictions are implemented, fire personnel will encounter some burning by responsible property owners until the notifications become well known. When responding to these situations, personnel should use their professional judgement to evaluate the hazard to the wildland before taking action. As entities with intimate knowledge of both their population and response area, each is unique position to deliver the message at a personal level along with an opportunity to education their constituents as to the dangers or wildfires and importance of the restrictions.