North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Briefs | July 29

Fire danger is high

An outdoor burn ban is on and as of this writing, local firefighters are pitching in to help battle numerous blazes east of the mountains while Kitsap County fire danger increases with every day of beautiful weather.

Outdoor fires are the leading cause of brush and forest fires, so officials have imposed a Phase I ban that became effective at 8 a.m. July 17. Under this type of burn ban, burning permits are temporarily suspended and no outdoor burning is allowed except for cooking fires in contained barbecue units and recreational fires.

A “recreational” fire is defined as follows:

· Built in a designated fire pit space

· No larger than three feet in diameter

· Contains seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes only

· Located in a space well clear of vegetation, and at least 25 feet from buildings, fences, or anything that might burn

· Attended at all times by an alert adult with immediate access to a shovel and a water source

Stop by any staffed fire station to get an outdoor burning permit, free of charge.

The ban will remain in place until conditions improve with significant and sustained rainfall. To check on the status of the ban anytime, call our Outdoor Burn Information Line at (360) 297-4888.

No burning in county parks

Burn ban or not, recreational fire or not, all outdoor fires, except those in BBQ units, are prohibited at county parks – including Point No Point.

Trading fireworks for a fire engine ride

Thomas Emling, 3-year-old son of Jessica Eddy, won this year’s drawing to lead the Fourth of July Parade in our fire engine after his mom filled out one of our “No Fireworks” pledge forms.

After he and his mother disembarked from the engine at the end of the parade route, they joined family members for tasty pizza and beverages at a reserved table on the deck of the Filling Station.

Thank you, Thomas and Jessica, for working with us to make a safer holiday and for being such great guests aboard Engine 81.

To everyone at the Filling Station: A HUGE thank you for being such a generous partner in our efforts!

Firefighters fill boots for Muscular Dystrophy

Watch for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s off-duty firefighters donating their time to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 at Highway 104 and Lindvog Road.

 Michèle Laboda is Community Services Specialist for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Contact her at (360) 297-3619 ext. 14.

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