Heat-related health warnings and bans on outdoor burning have been issued in anticipation of temperatures that are expected to reach into the 90s the next three days. Pierce County fire marshal Warner Webb announced a countywide outdoor burn ban, effective at 8 a.m. Aug. 18 and continuing until further notice. Dry weather and forecasts calling for continued dry heat and an accompanying high fire risk prompted the limited ban, issued jointly with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs' Association and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The county order, in effect only in unincorported areas of the county, applies to all land-clearing and burning of yard debris. But it doesn't include small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the landowner's permission. The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques also are allowed. A statewide ban issued by DNR applies to state forests, state parks and forestland. It prohibits all outdoor burning, including campfires in fire pits and the use of charcoal briquettes. Liquid gas or propane camp stoves that have on/off controls are permitted. In addition to the potential for accidental wildfires, officials also are warning about the health-related risks of high temperatures. The National Weather Service, predicting daytime temperatures in the 90s for a three-day period, issued an excessive-heat warning that was expected to be in effect from 2 p.m. Aug. 18 to 9 p.m. Aug. 20. Officials said the public should take the following health precautions: " Don't leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, but especially during hot weather that can cause car interiors to reach lethal temperatures in minutes. " People working or spending time outside should limit strenuous activity to early mornings or evenings, know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and drink water. Pierce County residents who live in cities or towns can check with their local authorities for any burn-ban specifics. State Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, who heads the DNR, announced Aug. 17 that the burn ban of campfires for all state-owned land has been extended through Sept. 30. "After a relatively mild summer, we are entering a period of critical fire weather on both sides of the Cascades,GÇ¥ said Goldmark. "The greatest fire danger right now comes from carelessness. It's essential that people understand the risks involved and don't spark any fires.GÇ¥ He said the Washington's forests and grasslands already were vulnerable to wildfire as a result of last year's record drought, and current conditions are adding to the risk. The statewide ban doesn't include federal-owned land such as Mount Rainier National Park. Campfires in authorized fire pits were allowed this week.
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