Burn Ban Begins July 15th

Outdoor burning ban from Tuesday, July 15, through Sept. 30

 

From Clark County Fire Marshal's Office:

Vancouver, WA– As of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County will be restricted until further notice.

 

Also, the Fire Marshal is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

 

In an effort to have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties jointly implement a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, in extreme fire hazard conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

 

“We want the public to know about the annual burn ban dates so they can plan to burn during safer times of the year,” said Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway. “After Sept. 30, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office to be sure the ban has been lifted before burning.”

 

Recreational campfires on forest lands are allowed only if built in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as commercial campgrounds and local, county and state parks. On private land, recreational fires are permitted when built according to the following regulations:                                        

Recreational fires must be in a metal-, stone- or masonry-lined fire pit such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores.

·         Size may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.

·         Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers or carports.

·         Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old with the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

·         Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid fuel (wood) should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

·         Completely extinguish recreational fires by covering them with water or moist soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.

 

Water Safety Fast Fact

It only takes 60 seconds for an adult to drown and 20 seconds for a child to drown.  Almost 85% of those who drown were not wearing a life jacket.

Summertime Safety

It's summertime and that means fun in the sun and cooling off in our area's beautiful rivers and lakes. After enduring months of rain and cold, of course the Washingtonian has a ravenous, pent-up need for sunshine! Please remember that our rivers are swift and very cold, no matter what the outside temperature.

Swimming can be a great way to have fun while getting full body exercise. However, each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people drown in the United States. It is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15 to 44 years old. Shockingly, it is believed that two-thirds of the people who drown are believed to never have had any intention of being in the water. Since tragic water accidents happen quickly, we have compiled the following information to help everyone have a safe and fun summer.

By keeping these few simple things in mind, you can make your experience in the water much safer.

*Learn to swim before you go into the water. Sounds silly, but many people think it will come naturally, and it really doesn’t.
*Swim near a lifeguard so help is available if you need it
*Never swim alone
*Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
*Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
*Alcohol and swimming don't mix
*Protect your head, neck, and spine by jumping feet first into unfamiliar waters
*As soon as you believe that you may be in trouble, call or wave for help
*Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
*Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances
Swimming and playing near water are favorite summer time activities of children everywhere. Parents and guardians need to pay extra attention and make sure they protect little ones from the dangers that water presents. Here are some points to consider about water safety for children.

*Never leave a child alone near water. Accidents happen in seconds, so if you have to leave, take your child with you.
*Watch out for neighborhood pools. Whether it is your own or your neighbors, toys that are left around the pool can attract children to the water.
*If you have a pool, make sure you surround it by a fence that is tall enough that children cannot climb over, and with a gate that locks.
*Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Lessons won't make your child "drown-proof," but they will increase their safety and prepare them for a lifetime of fun in the water.
*Teach your children to always swim with a buddy.
*Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy.
*Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Heat tips

During the summer, one is more at risk to heat related injuries such as sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke (sun stroke). Learn the symptoms and know how to give first aid.  

• Some groups are more at-risk to heat disorders, such as children and aging adults. Be sure to keep careful watch of their activities and reaction to the heat.
• Always protect small children from the sun due to sensitive skin.
• Be sure your pets have access to shade and cold, clean water.

Fireworks Safety Reminder

From the National Safety Council:

Summer means picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks displays, especially around the 4th of July. Summer also means an increase in injuries from backyard grills, bonfires and fireworks. In 2006, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, 36 percent of whom were under 15 years old.

Children between the ages of 10 and 14 were at three times the risk of fireworks injuries than the general population. About a third of the injuries were from small firecrackers, 21 percent from bottle rockets and 20 percent from sparklers. In 2004, fireworks caused $21 million in direct property damage.

The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.

However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.

• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.

• Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.

• Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.

• Never ignite devices in a container.

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.

FREE Emergency Preparedness Seminars

Are YOU ready for disaster? The Washington State University Leadership Academy would like to invite community members to attend one of two Emergency Preparedness seminars.

They will be hosting two 90 minute seminars on how to prepare a 72 Hour Emergency kit. The Dates of the seminars are: Monday June 30th at 5:30 pm and Tuesday July 1st at 7:00 pm.

Meetings will be located in the General Meeting Room, Third Floor, County Administration Building, 207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, Washington.

Everyone is welcome. For questions and to RSVP please contact cowlitzemergencyprep@gmail.com.

Campfire Safety

Suns out!  Time for some outdoor fun.  Here are some campfire safety tips from FEMA and our old friend Smokey Bear:

 

Campfire Safety

As the weather gets warmer, Americans are heading out on camping adventures with their family and friends. Although camping adventures can be fun, safety must be at the forefront to ensure a good time for all. Let’s get the facts now and prepare before venturing off into the great wilderness. As Smokey Bear has always said, “Only you can prevent wildfires!”

Always practice fire prevention when starting a campfire or grill in a woodland area:

·       Never build a campfire under trees or overhanging branches;

·       Clear a 10-foot area of pine needles & grass; and

·       Keep plenty of water on hand and have a shovel ready.

Once you've got your fire ablaze, do you know the suggested manageable size for a campfire and how to properly extinguish it? Check here to find out as well as read other safety tips. 

If a wildfire starts in your camping area, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1. To learn more about preparing for a wildfire disaster, download America’s PrepareAthon! How to Prepare for a Wildfire guide today!