The Annual Moratorium on Outdoor Burning Continues Through September
Wildfire season is here, and our local and regional fire departments are working together to reduce the risk of wildfires and associated poor air quality.
Eastside Fire and Rescue’s (EF&R) annual burning moratorium is in effect through September 30. Those living within the boundaries of EF&R should be aware of a few helpful guidelines:
Facts about the Annual Burning Moratorium:
- Outdoor cooking or recreational burning (campfires) require a no-fee burn permit that can be obtained online at www.eastsidefire-rescue.org
- Puget Sound Clean Air Agency may impose a countywide burn ban for air-quality conditions.
- King County Fire Marshal’s Office may impose a burn ban due to extreme fire danger.
- Brush fires significantly increase during the summer months and can grow quickly.
- You can help protect your home against wildfires by building a defensible space around your home: www.firewise.org or www.eastsidefire-rescue.org.
Are you not sure if your home resides within EF&R boundaries? All North Bend residents living within city limits are served by EF&R. For a clear picture of all the communities they serve, visit their Service Map.
Do you want to talk to someone about the annual burning moratorium? Stop by The Trail Youth Coffee Home on July 31, from 11 to 12 p.m. and meet EF&R Fire Chief Ben Lane!
For local and regional air quality information, contact the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at (800) 595-4341 or www.pscleanair.org.
For questions about EF&R’s annual outdoor burning moratorium, call (425) 313-3200. Burn permits can be downloaded at www.eastsidefire-rescue.org.
If you have dry brush from recent yard waste on your property, consider safely disposing of it at an upcoming North Bend Yard Waste Recycling event. This event is free to North Bend property owners and residents within the 98045 zip code. Learn more HERE.
Wildfire Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparation in North Bend
Do you and your loved ones know what to do during a wildfire in or near North Bend? Eastside Fire and Rescue, the King County Office of Emergency Management, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the King County Sheriff’s Office, the City of North Bend, and cities throughout the region are working together to help our community better prepare for wildfire evacuation.
“Ready, Set, Go!” Evacuation Plan:
- Level 1: READY – Be aware of the danger in your area and start preparing to evacuate. Monitor local media, check on neighbors, update your GO! kit, check evacuation routes, prepare your home, and leave if you feel unsafe.
- Level 2: SET – Be prepared for sudden evacuation. Ensure your evacuation checklist is complete and your GO! kit is in your vehicle. Monitor local media, and leave if you feel unsafe.
- Level 3: GO – Leave now! There is danger in your area. Follow directions from the police or fire departments, and do not return home until officials have determined it is safe.
Stop by North Bend City Hall and create your own free emergency information pack, which includes a detailed guide, lists, and fun emergency management tools.
Look for the Emergency Management table in the public corridor. Learn more about the Ready, Set, Go! plan and find more information about assembling your GO! Kit by visiting King County’s Emergency Management Fire Hazards webpage.
Wildfire Safe Eastside Home Assessment Program: Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood
You can reduce the ignition potential of your home and structures before a wildfire. The Wildfire Safe Eastside – Home Assessment Program systematically assesses home and structure ignition potential during a wildfire event.
Learn more and schedule your home assessment by visiting Eastside Fire and Rescue’s Wildfire Safe Eastside webpage.
Stay Informed: Sign Up for ALERT King County and Watch the InciWeb Wildfire Map
ALERT King County is a public information and emergency notification system that reaches citizens wherever they are and on any device. The City of North Bend encourages all residents to register for ALERT to receive critical information about significant local events or emergencies via telephone, text, and email.
Registration is free and confidential. To sign up for ALERT, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/emergency-management/alert-king-county and click “Subscribe to ALERT King County.”
InciWeb is an interagency all-risk incident web information management system provided by the United States Forest Service. The mapping tool provides updated wildfire information throughout the country. Check the InciWeb map for updates on wildfires in our region and beyond.
The North Bend community must stay informed and prepared as we navigate wildfire season. By adhering to the annual burning moratorium, utilizing available resources for wildfire safety, and following evacuation plans, we can collectively reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure our safety.
Stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your home. Take advantage of the numerous programs and information sources provided by our local and regional fire departments. Together, we can create a safer environment for all.
[Information provided by the City of North Bend]
