The Washington State Department of Natural Resources announced that the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is increasing in parts of northeast Washington.
The IFPL in zones 678W and 684 went from a Level 1 to a Level 2 (‘Partial Hootowl’), effective 12:01 a.m., Sunday, August 22, 2010. Partial Hootowl means that certain forest industrial activities are restricted to between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. This includes the cutting of firewood in the forest.
The following activities may take place only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.:
• Operating power saws (except at loading sites)
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding or cutting of metal
Those using chainsaws in the forest, including cutting firewood, must follow certain rules:
• Chainsaws must have approved, working exhaust systems.
• A one-hour fire watch must follow the last use of a chainsaw.
• A fire extinguisher, containing at least 8 ounces of retardant, must be in the immediate vicinity of where the chainsaw is used.
• A shovel must be retrievable within two minutes or less.
The fire danger rating for Okanogan and Ferry counties will remain at the ‘high’ level, which prohibits all burning on DNR-protected lands, except for campfires in approved campgrounds.
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