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Amid high temperatures and dry conditions, King County Fire Marshal issues Stage 2 burn ban prohibiting outdoor recreational fires

• John Cornelison
• 8/13/21

King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County, which prohibits all outdoor recreational fires. Outdoor cooking and heating appliances are restricted to approved manufactured gas and charcoal units only.

The Stage 2 burn ban goes into effect immediately for King County, which was already in a Stage 1 burn ban. King County’s ban is in coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Marshals, which extends the ban into cities.

During a Stage 2 burn ban, any outdoor fire such as a backyard fire pit or campfire using chopped firewood or charcoal is prohibited. Under the ban, any person with a recreational fire who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or discontinue when ordered or notified to do so can be charged with, up to and including, a misdemeanor.

Manufactured portable outdoor devices are allowed, including barbeques and patio warmers that are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Approved fuel devices - including those that rely on charcoal, natural gas or propane gas – are also allowed. Ricketts asks residents to please use caution when disposing of charcoal remains.

Extended periods of abnormally high temperatures have increased the fuel load in the vegetation in our community. The large fire in Oregon and other fires in Washington have stretched wildfire fighting resources throughout the region.

Ricketts says if residents must smoke, they should exercise extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes. The county asks residents to be diligent and respectful of their neighbors, and to remember this is a demanding time for first responders.

LINKS

• King County Burn Ban & Fireworks

Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed

• John Cornelison
• 4/13/20

Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed: April 14th (Tuesday) 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Vashon Island Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource Series

The Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the EOC is hosting a series of webinars focused on issues facing our business community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource Series #4: Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed

Deborah Diamond, retired IRS Governmental Liaison, will review the federal Tax Stimulus payments for individuals, provide an overview of unemployment options (standby/furloughed/laid offs) and discuss the employers' role. Review how to prepare an expanded benefit application for self-employed and 1099 workers.

Learn More/Register https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg… .

Prepare for wildfire

• John Cornelison
• 7/29/21

Even in temperate western Washington it can take only a few sunny days for forests to dry out enough to catch fire. And, in windy conditions wildfires can get out of control quickly. Wildfires burn every year in east King County. Before wildfire strikes, homeowners can help protect lives and property by creating a fire-adapted space around structures.

Top 8 tips for maintaining a wildfire safety zone in the 30 feet around your home

1. Remove all dead plant material from around your home. Rake up dry leaves (under decks and porches too!) and move firewood away from the house. Keep your roof and gutters clear of flammable debris.
   
   
2. Place a 3 to 5-foot swath of gravel or stones around the foundation of your home instead of flammable mulch.
   
   
3. Prune branches that overhang or touch the house.
   
   
4. Take out "ladder fuels," vegetation between grass and treetops that can carry fire between foliage and structures. 
   
   
5. Keep blowing embers out of your house. Cover exterior vents with fine (1/8-inch) mesh.
   
   
6. Store flammable materials, including cushions, indoors instead of on porches and decks.
   
   
7. Use fire-resistant construction materials such as Class-A asphalt shingles, metal or concrete products for your roof.
   
   
8. Use fire-resistant plants in the garden. Read our list of fire-resistant plants for the Puget Sound Basin (PDF), or search our illustrated online Native Plant Guide for fire-resistant plants.

- Copied from

https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/forestry/forestfire.aspx 

– which has MORE details and information.