Washington State is experiencing its worst wildland fire season in many years. Fire experts tell us we can expect a significant wildfire threat until well into fall.

Check with your local jurisdiction before you burn. Before doing any outdoor burning, check the local rules and regulations.

Air quality standards and rules for open burning are available through the Washington State Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program.

Each of us has a role in preventing wildland fires and in protecting ourselves and property from wildland fires. You can help by following these guidelines:

While using outdoor recreational areas:

• Use a self-contained camp stove, such as a gas, propane, or butane-type camp stove.
• Build campfires only in approved metal- or concrete-lined fire pits located in designated campground.
• To extinguish a campfire, follow these steps:
  - Drown the fire with water. Stir the remains.
  - Add more water and stir again.
  - Feel all materials with your bare hand to ensure they are cool.
• Avoid smoking in outdoor recreational areas.
• For more information on outdoor fire safety, see the Firewise link below.

Create a fire-safe, defensible space. The space should not be less than 30 feet around your home.

Eliminate fire dangers:

• Install a fire-resistant roof. (Untreated shake roofs increase your fire risks.)
• Maintain the roof by cleaning it and the gutters regularly. (Tinder-dry needles and limbs catch fire easily.)
• Store combustibles, such as firewood, away from the house.
• Install a spark arrester if you have a chimney.

Install and maintain smoke detectors. Test smoke detectors once a month to make sure they are working. Consider installing automatic fire sprinklers.

Just one home that is not properly protected from fire can put an entire community or wildland area at risk.

 
To learn more, visit these Web sites:

• Northwest Fire Prevention Education - An interagency effort for current information on public-use restrictions, area access closures and fire prevention messages.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency - For people living near wildland areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas.
  
• Firewise - Information for homeowners about firewise construction and landscaping, along with other fire prevention practices.
  
• Department of Natural Resources - Forest Fire Prevention Page.
  
• Smokey the Bear - The official Smokey the Bear has fire prevention information and activities for children of all ages.