Enumclaw/King County Fire District No. 28 Report for April 25 through April 30

The following information was provided by Enumclaw/King County Fire District No. 28 and covers April 25 through April 30.

Total Dispatched 24

• Aid 18
• Fire 1
• Transports to area Hospitals 12
• Motor Vehicle Accidents 3
• Illegal Burning 2
• False Alarm 1
• Odor Investigation 0
• Smoke Investigation 0
• Service Fire Call 1
• Mutual Aid 1

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources and King County Fire District 28 want to remind everyone that fire season officially began on April 15th as specified by state law. Washington’s “summer fire rules” are in effect April 15th through October 15th. These rules apply to the 12.7 million acres of private and state forestlands protected from wildfire by DNR.

These regulations affect loggers, firewood cutters, land clearers, road builders, bulldozer operators, off-road motorcyclists, and all persons working and enjoying our woodlands for recreation. During fire season, people using motorized equipment in the woods must have approved spark arresters and follow fire safety precautions. In addition, those working in the woods must have fire prevention and extinguishing equipment at the job site, be in good working order, with staff trained in its proper use. The rules are intended to prevent forest fires and to extinguish small fires before they spread. Those same rules restrict cigarette smoking in forested areas to roads, gravel pits, or other clearings. They also prohibit lighting fireworks on forestland.

DNR wants to remind people that, before the vegetation dries out and fire risk increases, they should take appropriate action to prevent wildfires and protect their property in the event of wildfire. Homeowners in fire-prone areas are encouraged to consider participation in the Firewise Communities Program (http://www.firewise.org). Firewise teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire danger and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and each other from the risk of wildfire.

In addition, DNR announces Wildfire Awareness Week May 6-12. With summer coming, now is the time to start thinking about wildfire prevention and campfire safety. With forest health issues, such as animal damage, pockets of insect infestations, and a decade long drought, it is important to follow burning rules and restrictions this summer to prevent wildfires from starting. “Please do your part to prevent a wildfire”.

Resources and information on the Firewise Program and outdoor burn regulations are available at KCFD#28/Enumclaw Fire Department Headquarters at 1330 Wells St. Enumclaw.

Enjoy the opportunity to get out in our beautiful woodlands and “be safe this summer”!

Go to www.enumclawfire.com for the latest news, information and announcements from Enumclaw/KCFD 28.