Fire Hazard Level raised to “Very High”
information released by Chelan County
Last week, the Chelan County commissioners passed a resolution raising the fire hazard level to “Very High” in both the Valley Zone and the Chelan Mountain Zone. The resolution went into effect on Tuesday, June 29.
A map showing the Valley Zone and the Chelan Mountain Zone is posted on the Fire Prevention and Investigations web page. There are four fire hazard levels in Chelan County: moderate, high, very high and extreme.
With the raising of the fire hazard level, Chelan County Fire Marshal Bob Plumb reminds the public that all citizens must play a role in preventing wildfires.
“We are in the midst of a heatwave, with record-setting temperatures forecast for our area,” Plumb said. “I’d like to not only remind local people that recreational fireworks are not allowed in Chelan County but also ask that visitors to central Washington this holiday weekend leave the fireworks at home. Conditions are too ripe for wildfires.”
Since June 1, open burning has been closed throughout the unincorporated portions of Chelan County. This includes natural vegetation and yard debris. Other restrictions include:
- Attended recreational campfires are not allowed at any location without the approval of the fire chief of the local fire district. This includes recreational campfires at private residences and hosted campgrounds.
- Campfires at dispersed camping sites are not allowed.
- Recreational fireworks are not allowed in Chelan County. The public is encouraged to attend a permitted, public fireworks display in Chelan County over the Fourth of July weekend.
- No household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time.
- Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.
