The 2023 summer season is here, and fire restrictions are now in place.

Due to above average temperatures and the lack of precipitation, an earlier-than-normal dry season, fire department officials warn the potential for wild land fires is extreme.

As recommended by the Jefferson County Board of Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal, a burn restriction will be in effect for all land clearing or outdoor burning within Jefferson County, from June 4 through Sept. 30, until further notice.

The ban does not currently apply to recreational fires.

A recreational fire is defined as outdoor burning of charcoal or firewood where the fuel is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fire place, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit. Recreational fires are for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. Fires used for debris or rubbish disposal are not considered recreational fires and are illegal.

All county-wide burning is subject to immediate closure at any time based on the Department of Natural Resources fire rating for fire danger or air stagnation conditions as determined by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Olympic Region Clean Air Authority and/or the Department of Natural Resources.

To date, East Jefferson County is averaging 5 degrees above the normal temperature of 65 degrees, officials said, and there have been 23 days of 70 degree weather or greater.

There has not been a significant rain of a quarter-inch or more in a 24-hour period since
May 5. East Jefferson County is also 7.6 inches below average in rainfall.

Officials note that the outdoor fire danger in the state’s central lowlands was moved to moderate on June 2.