In a classic, “Well THAT escalated quickly” moment, we will be instituting the “High Risk Activity” restrictions that seem to come almost every year. After all, it was only yesterday that we stopped campfires. Unless there is a drop in the fire hazard, the restrictions will go into effect on Monday, July 21 at noon. Here is a list of the most common activities that are temporarily suspended:
- mechanical brushing;
- using fire- or spark-producing tools, including cutting tools;
- using or preparing fireworks or pyrotechnics;
- grinding, including rail grinding;
- mechanical land clearing;
- clearing and maintaining rights of way, excluding residential lawn mowing
- operating a power saw (chainsaw);
- welding;
- portable wood chipping, milling, processing or manufacturing;
Residential lawn mowing is not banned, but it should be accompanied by a working garden hose that can reach the entire area and a minimum 1-hour fire watch afterwards.
We understand that this creates a hardship on anyone who makes their living in the tree business. We also know it throws a kink into the plans of anyone who is working on getting their firewood ready for the fall. Implementing these restrictions is not something I take lightly, but considering our remoteness, I feel it is time.
Please call the firehall at 250.335.2611 if you have any questions.