State Fire Marshal Stresses Importance Of Campfire Safety This Summer

WASHINGTON — After an unseasonably soggy May, June is proving to be nice and sunny so far. And while many Washingtonians are understandably itching to get out and enjoy the warm spring and summer weather, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding everyone: this is no time for campers to skimp on fire safety.

Both The National Interagency Fire Center and the National Weather Service are predicting below-average rainfall and above-average heat, especially as spring heats up into summer— meaning the state will be primed for wildfires right as camping season hits full swing.

85 percent of Washington's wildfires are human-caused, the Fire Marshal said, and Washington doesn't want to see as many wildfires as it saw last year. While not as bad as years prior, 2021 was still an above-average wildfire season for Washington, with 1,872 individual fires affecting over 674,000 acres across the state.

Last week, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a similar request, also asking that campers be careful when setting up fires. In it, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said that, despite our recent bout of soggy weather, experts are still predicting an uptick in wildfire activity over the coming few weeks.

"After a record wetting spring, we're already starting to see signs of drying out," Franz said. "This summer is still expected to be warmer and drier than normal, setting the stage for active fire danger."

Here are a few campfire safety tips, courtesy of the State Fire Marshal’s Office:

· Before setting up a campfire, check with your local fire official to make sure it is allowed.
· If allowed, campfires need to be at least 25 feet (8 meters) away from any structure and anything that may burn.
· Clear away dry leaves, sticks, overhanging low branches, and shrubs within at least 10 feet (3 meters) of the campfire.
· Avoid burning on windy and dry days as it is easier for open burning to spread out of control when it is windy or dry.
· Attend campfires at all times and supervise children and pets while the campfire is burning. It is a good idea to make a 3-foot “kid-free-zone” around the campfire.
· Keep campfires small, as this makes them easier to control.
· Never use gasoline or other flammable and combustible liquids.
· Always have a bucket of water, or a shovel with dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to completely extinguish the fire before leaving the site. Apply water to all coals or remaining flames. Stir with a stick and pour on more water. Observe that there is no heat, glow, or flame remaining.
· If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Stop, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll back and forth until the fire is out.
· Treat any burns right away. Cool the burn with cold water for 3-5 minutes and then cover with a clean, dry cloth. Make sure to get medical help if needed.