Kittitas County, WA -07/31/2012 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of the Kittitas County Code, there exists an extreme fire hazard due to high temperatures, low relative humidity and low fuel moisture content of 1,000 hr fuels.

Effective Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 12:00 p.m., Kittitas County is imposing a prohibition against open burning and recreational fires for Fire District 1, Fire District 3, Fire District 6, Fire District 7, Fire District 8, private land and campgrounds outside of fire districts, and the properties under the authority of the Department of Natural Resources which are outside of an approved campground. Open burning is prohibited in the district of Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue, however, recreational fires no larger than 2’x2’ in diameter may be allowed with Fire Chief approval.

The burn ban does not include areas within the boundaries of Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue (Ellensburg area) and Fire District 4 (Vantage area).
Open Burning.  The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber, and is not defined within the parameters of a recreational fire.  Open burning fires are generally larger fires (up to 10′x10′) in which cut natural vegetation is burned to clear properties.

Recreational Fire. Outdoor burning of materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, chiminea, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610mm) or less in height, used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Only Natural Gas and Propane self-contained stoves and bar-b-ques are allowed under the ban.

This burn ban becomes effective as of 12:00 pm on August 1, 2012.

For additional information, please view their website

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

Roslyn Black Pioneer Picnic has been moved to the Cle Elum City Park for this years event.

WHERE’S THE REST OF THE STORY? IT’S IN OUR PRINTED NEWSPAPER ON STANDS, IN STORES AND AT THE NKC TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER AND OFFICE SUPPLY STORE IN DAVIS PLAZA (BEHIND SAFEWAY), OR CLICK ANY HEADLINE TO ORDER A COPY ONLINE  -NEW EVERY THURSDAY

Roslyn Library celebrates grand reopening in colorful style-Historian Litchfield shares glimpses of coal mining boom and bust days-front page-photos

State awards $1.6 million in recreation grants-Kittitas County receives $55,489-front page

Kittitas County mornings impress ‘fresh air’ artists-Kathleen Milligan wins Best of Show-page B1-photos

Golfers raise thousands for local scholars-Fun and funds abundant on the greens-page B6-photo

Festival Poetry 2012 Award Winners-Bonnie Hawk and Kathy Stancik

Community:

• Ray Killian honored by VFW Post 1373
• Roslyn Postmaster retires from enjoyable career
• Military Funeral Honors to be held for 43 in Cle Elum
• Cle Elum begins Saturday Market

Regional:

• River festival celebrates strides conserving the Teanaway
• Horse breed once favored by Norwegian Vikings visits Cle Elum
• Red-headed skunk of an ant:first it bites then it sprays
• Red Cross memorabilia displayed Aug. 18
• Crews expedite Cle Elum gas spill cleanup
• Seattle hiker dies in Mineral Basin
• Rescue near Rachael Lake
• King 5 tapes Sasquatch hunter at Rachael Lake

Schools:

• CE-R School Dist. approves 2012-2013 budget
• Youth learn athletics at Warrior Sports Camp
• Hickory Stick tourney on for August 10

Voices:

• Frankly Speaking-Oh no, I’ve got an ant farm
• Testimonial by Jonine Collins
• Letter-What were you thinking-Helga Johnson
• Letter-Appreciation is in the air for Tribune event support-Charlene Kauzlarich
• Upper County Biz Viewpoint Roundup-Plastic money: burden or convenience to small biz…or both?