While the region received a touch of rain earlier this week, hot and dry conditions have returned, prompting Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright to issue a total ban within Chehalis city limits on recreational burning beginning on Thursday, Aug. 1, according to a city news release.
With the hot and dry weather, moisture levels in vegetation and other wildfire fuels is now dangerously low. According to state officials quoted in the release, “this year’s wildfire season has the potential to be challenging as fine fuels continue to cure.”
“This burn ban will likely remain in effect until fire weather and fire conditions improve,” Fulbright said in the release. “An update will be provided when the recreational burn ban is lifted.”
Types of fires now prohibited within Chehalis city limits includes recreational fires, campfires, bonfires and fires in outdoor fireplaces, firepits and chimney type devices. Additionally, the use of charcoal briquettes for barbecues is also prohibited.
Smokers are advised to take care where they extinguish and toss their cigarette butts.
The only cooking outdoors allowed on private property will be on propane barbecues. Cooking or heating fires in homeless encampments or in other unsheltered situations are prohibited.
Until the ban is lifted, all recreational fires are illegal within city limits, and residents are advised to call 911 and report any fire related activity they see so the Chehalis Fire Department can quickly extinguish it.
Lewis County and Centralia have previously announced their own burn bans, which remain in place.
For more information, call the Chehalis Fire Department at 360-748-3394.
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