Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Be FireWise!

Firewise Course Information

Firewise Learning Center courses cover a range of wildfire safety topics for audiences including homeowners, forestry professionals, and firefighters. Course design and length varies, but all courses are structured to allow you to learn at your own pace.
Once you have enrolled in a course, you can return to the Firewise Learning Center at any time to continue a course you have started or take a new course.

Courses:

Firewise Landscaping is designed for people living in wildland areas who make decisions about landscaping their homes. The course considers the issues of appropriate landscape designs, specific planting and pruning alternatives, and appropriate planting materials for interface/intermix fire environments.

It has three parts: an Overview; Design/Installation; and Maintenance. It also includes a virtual Firewise landscaping model you can use to visualize design alternatives. The course takes approximately three hours to complete.

Firefighter Safety in the Wildland/Urban Interface addresses problems faced by structural and wildland firefighters when fighting fires, especially those threatening structures in the wildland/urban interface. An important goal is to improve knowledge of firefighter safety and survival issues.

The course has three parts: Understanding Fire Behavior in the WUI; Structure Protection Strategies in the WUI; and Firefighter Safety in the WUI. The entire course takes approximately four hours to complete.

Water Training is a comprehensive guide to using water effectively during firefighting operations in the wildland/urban interface. It is intended for all firefighters and provides the learner with important information and relevant examples to help develop strategies to use water in the most effective manner. The course takes approximately four hours to complete.

See the Firewise Link on the rightside of the blog.

Enroll in a course now. www.firewise.org

Monday, June 28, 2010

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks Sales Begin June 28th
Personal Fireworks Require Personal Responsibility


State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy announced, with retail fireworks stands opening across the state on June 28th, everyone is reminded that, “Personal fireworks require personal responsibility.”

In 2009, 1,236 fireworks incidents were reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, with 30% of these incidents having no adult supervision. This included 200 injuries, of which 66 were children under the age of 14. “There is much that can be done to protect children and others from fireworks injuries,” says Duffy who offers the following, “First, set family boundaries, only adults should light fireworks. Supervision is paramount in keeping children safe. Second, fireworks should not be readily available to tempt the curiosity of young children, and should be stored in a secured location to prohibit their access. Third, check with your local fire or police department for additional restrictions in your area. Most importantly, talk about safety. Summer weather conditions make grass and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire. Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks.”

Don’t take any chances; be sure the fireworks you purchase are legal to possess and discharge. Know the dates and times fireworks are allowed in your community. Stay away from high powered illegal explosive devices such as M80’s and M100’s. The damage they cause can be devastating, life altering, and even result in death.

Remember the three B’s of fireworks safety:
Be Prepared—Have water nearby and put pets indoors,
Be Safe—Only adults should light fireworks, and
Be Responsible—clean up fireworks debris.

Attending a public display is a safe and fun way to enjoy fireworks. To learn about a community fireworks display near you, visit our website at
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm. For more information contact your local fire department, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 596-3916.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Burn Ban Information

Outdoor Burn Bans


Fire season is here and as temperatures rise, many counties and fire agencies have instituted burn bans. These bans can prohibit everything from burning yard waste to a campfire. In Washington, a burn ban violation is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000. “Outdoor fires that get out of control can cause large wildfires that put citizens, firefighters and property at risk,” says State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy. You may also be responsible for the cost of putting out the fire as well as any damaged property.

To better understand a burn ban, residents should familiarize themselves with the following types of outdoor fires –

Agricultural Burning: The burning of vegetative debris from an agricultural operation necessary for disease or pest control, for crop propagation and/or crop rotation, or where identified as the best management practice by the agricultural burning practices and research task force established in RCW 70.94.650 or other authoritative source on agricultural practices.

Ceremonial Fire: A fire built of dry wood for an organized function (e. g. Homecoming game, religious functions, etc)

Debris Disposal Fire: A fire for the elimination of a fire hazard and for the purpose of clean-up of natural vegetation and residue of a natural character such as leaves, clippings, trees, stumps, brush, shrubbery and wood so long as it has not been treated by an application of prohibited material or substance. There are established size limitations based on the time of year and the county within which the burning occurs.

Recreational Fire: A fire for the purpose of sport, pastime or refreshment in a hand-built pile no larger than four feet in diameter and not associated with any debris disposal activities related to fire hazard elimination or yard and garden refuse clean-up.

Silvicultural Burning: All burning on any land the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protects, or on any forest lands administered by federal agencies or Indian nations.

Always check with your local fire department for permit and safety requirements before you light any outdoor fire. For more information, please visit the Office of State Fire Marshal website at
www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars Specific county burn ban information can be obtained at http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx or by calling 800-323-BURN.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hazardous Weather Outlook


HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENDLETON OR
540 AM PDT WED JUN 23 2010

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST OREGON
AS WELL AS SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THUNDERSTORMS
EAST SLOPES OF THE CENTRAL CASCADES OF WASHINGTON, EAST SLOPES
OF THE SOUTHERN CASCADES OF WASHINGTON, EASTERN COLUMBIA RIVER
GORGE OF WASHINGTON, KITTITAS VALLEY, YAKIMA VALLEY, LOWER
COLUMBIA BASIN OF WASHINGTON, FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
OF WASHINGTON
, NORTHWEST BLUE MOUNTAINS OF WASHINGTON, EASTERN
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE OF OREGON, NORTH CENTRAL OREGON, CENTRAL
OREGON, LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN OF OREGON, GRANDE RONDE VALLEY,
WALLOWA COUNTY, FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON,
NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON, SOUTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF
OREGON, NORTHERN WHEELER AND SOUTHERN GILLIAM COUNTIES, JOHN
DAY BASIN, OCHOCO-JOHN DAY HIGHLANDS

A WEAK DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION THIS MORNING. THIS
SYSTEM WILL BRING MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES AND POTENTIALLY A SPRINKLE OR
TWO. AN UPPER TROUGH WILL MOVE ONSHORE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.
THIS TROUGH WILL CAUSE THE AIR MASS TO DESTABILIZE IN THE AFTERNOON
ALLOWING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF THE AREA. THESE STORMS MAY PRODUCE BRIEF HEAVY RAIN...SMALL HAIL
AND GUSTY WINDS. THE THUNDERSTORMS SHOULD END BY MIDNIGHT...BUT A
FEW SHOWERS MAY LINGER THROUGH THE NIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY
LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN OF WASHINGTON, FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE
MOUNTAINS OF WASHINGTON
, NORTHWEST BLUE MOUNTAINS OF
WASHINGTON, CENTRAL OREGON, LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN OF OREGON,
GRANDE RONDE VALLEY, WALLOWA COUNTY, FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE
MOUNTAINS OF OREGON, NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON,
SOUTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON, NORTHERN WHEELER AND
SOUTHERN GILLIAM COUNTIES, JOHN DAY BASIN, OCHOCO-JOHN DAY
HIGHLANDS

THE UPPER TROUGH WILL WEAKEN THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY. THIS WILL ALLOW
FOR GRADUALLY INCREASING ONSHORE FLOW. THERE SHOULD BE ENOUGH
INSTABILITY THURSDAY FOR MORE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS...THOUGH
THIS THREAT SHOULD BE LIMITED IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON AND CENTRAL
OREGON. THE BEST CHANCES FOR THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE OVER THE EXTREME
NORTHEAST OREGON THURSDAY. THE COVERAGE OF SHOWERS AND THE THREAT OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL DIMINISH FURTHER ON FRIDAY. WEAK HIGH PRESSURE SHOULD BRING DRIER AND WARMER CONDITIONS TO THE REGION THIS WEEKEND. ANOTHER DEEP PACIFIC LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM LOOKS TO PUSH A COLD FRONT INTO THE REGION EARLY NEXT WEEK.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE REQUIRED.

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

GRAPHICAL FORECASTS OF WEATHER HAZARDS OUT TO SEVEN DAYS
ARE DISPLAYED ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB AT:

WWW.WRH.NOAA.GOV/PDT/CURRENTHAZARDS/HWO.HTML

Monday, June 21, 2010

It's Boating Time!

Safe Boating


“With boating season in full swing, it is important to observe and practice safety afloat. We are offering these boating safety tips, hoping you will have many fun and safe boating experiences,” says State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy.

1. Leave Alcohol on Shore: In 2008, alcohol was either a direct or indirect contributing factor in 35 percent of all boating fatalities.


2. Take a Boating Safety Course: More than 70 percent of all reported boating fatalities in 2007 occurred on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety course. You may even qualify for a reduced insurance rate if you complete a safety course. Contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron chapter or visit www.uscg.mil for more information on courses in your area.

3. File a Float Plan: The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you always tell a friend or family member where you plan to go and when you will return. Make it a habit before leaving on any boat trip. The proper officials can be notified promptly if you don’t return when expected.

4. Be Weather-Wise: A calm day can quickly turn ugly on the water. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions and stay on top of the forecast while boating. Promptly heed all weather and storm advisories.

5. Use and Maintain the Right Safety Equipment:
a. Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices - State law requires each person on board to have a properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard approved serviceable life jacket. Also, boats longer than 16 feet must have a throwable Personal Flotation Device.
b. Fire Extinguishers - If your boat has any enclosed compartments or a false floor, you must carry a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher. Make sure it is charged and accessible.
c. Boat Lights - Always test your boat lights before the boat leaves the dock and carry extra batteries.
d. Emergency Supplies - Keep on board in a floating pouch: maps, flares, and a first aid kit.
e. Anchor - Make sure you have one and can properly use it. Improper anchoring may cause fatal accidents.


6. Designate an Assistant Skipper: Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone back to shore.

More information on boating safety is available at Boat-ed.com or Boater101.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Flood Watch

- IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENDLETON OR 1215 PM PDT THU JUN 3 2010
ANOTHER ROUND OF HEAVY RAIN WILL SPREAD OVER THE REGION TONIGHT AND FRIDAY WITH FLOODING POSSIBLE.

GRANDE RONDE VALLEY-WALLOWA COUNTY-FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON-NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON-FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF WASHINGTON-NORTHWEST BLUE MOUNTAINS OF WASHINGTON-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF LA GRANDE, ELGIN, UNION, ENTERPRISE, JOSEPH WALLOWA, HEPPNER, PENDLETON, MEACHAM, TOLLGATE, DAYTON, WAITSBURG,
WALLA WALLA

1215 PM PDT THU JUN 3 2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON HAS ISSUED A* FLOOD WATCH FROM MIDNIGHT PDT TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING*

RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 0.75 TO 1.50 INCHES ARE EXPECTED TO FALL BETWEEN MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AND LATE DAY FRIDAY. THIS HEAVY RAIN ON TOP OF ALREADY SATURATED SOILS WILL CAUSE RAPID RUNOFF AND MAY CAUSE AREAS OF FLOODING ALONG CREEKS AND STREAMS. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR MUDSLIDES...DEBRIS FLOWS AND STREAM FLOODING IN THE MOUNTAINS OR AREAS OF STEEP TERRAIN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ONCURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODINGDEVELOP. FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...CHECK THE WEBSITE AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PENDLETON.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Flood Advisory

FLOOD ADVISORY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENDLETON OR 333 PM PDT WED JUN 2, 2010


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON HAS ISSUED AN URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR... NORTHERN UMATILLA COUNTY IN NORTHEAST OREGON... THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...PENDLETON...MILTON-FREEWATER... SOUTHWESTERN COLUMBIA COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON... EASTERN WALLA WALLA COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON... THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...WALLA WALLA...COLLEGE PLACE...* UNTIL 730 PM PDT* AT 327 PM PDT...
BANDS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN WERE MOVING ALONG THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS FROM PILOT ROCK OREGON NORTHEAST THROUGH DAYTON WASHINGTON.

PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN WILL CONTINUE FOR THIS AREA OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS. THIS WILL CAUSE SHARP RISES IN AREA STREAMS AND CREEKS AS WELL AS PONDING OF WATER ON ROADS. MUDSLIDES IN AREAS OF STEEP TERRAIN ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...IN HILLY TERRAIN THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF LOW WATER CROSSINGS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY RAIN.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS. FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES. IT TAKES ONLY A FEW INCHES OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER TO CARRY VEHICLES AWAY.