Report an uncontrolled wildfire: call 1-800-562-6010

EMC General Manager - 996-9897   --   EMC Operations Manager - 996-2427.

Local Fire Chief - 997-2981 (8AM - 4:30 PM, M-F)  DO NOT leave a message saying you are planning to burn.  If someone reports your fire, the fire department is required to respond.

Department of Natural Resources

A MUST READ for Safe Burning Requirements!  Please review the WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Burning Guidelines called, "Northeast Washington Outdoor Burning Brochure".   Copies of this flyer will be posted in the Edelweiss campground and at the mailboxes.

Edelweiss frequently receives calls from lot owners who have questions or concerns regarding fires, burning, etc.  We ask that great care be used when burning on your property. A fire can spread quickly, and you will be held liable for any damage to an adjacent property that is caused by your uncontrolled fire. 

OKANOGAN COUNTY CURRENT FIRE DANGER

Burning Any Fires, Including Recreational Fires, You MUST CALL 1-800-323-BURN (2876) or visit the DNR Fire Danger Map EACH DAY of ignition prior to lighting ANY fire for instructions specific to that day and location.

BURN BANS:  Outdoor burning may be completely suspended by the DNR at any time. Such tight restrictions may be announced due to high fire danger resulting from weather conditions, specific wildfire conditions, lack of available firefighting personnel or to protect air quality.

NOTE:  When a BURN BAN is in effect for the Methow Valley, signs may be posted at the following locations: Fire Station in Mazama on HWY 20, USFS compound near the bridge entering Winthrop from the north, and in Twisp at the old USFS compound on HWY 20. 
 

Even if there is no burn ban in effect and fire danger is not at a critical level, it might still be unsafe to burn.

  Q   REMEMBER, you are responsible for the effects of any fire you start – if it causes harm to a neighboring property, you WILL be held liable.

  Q   Do not burn on an undeveloped lot unless you can bring (with the owner’s permission) a water hose to the site from an adjacent property’s frost-free hydrant or hose bib.

  Q  It is illegal in Washington State to burn ANY construction material, especially treated lumber (plywood, etc.).  The same applies to rubber, plastics, asphalt, garbage, petroleum products, paints or any materials that emit dense smoke or create offensive odors.   
 

Please see "Safeguard Your Home" for information on recycling and disposal of building materials in the Methow Valley.

Safeguard Your Home

In order to minimize the fire danger to your home and/or property, it makes good sense to observe the following suggestions:

1. Driveways need to be wide enough and accessible enough (no sharp turns, etc.) for emergency vehicles. A fire truck is about 8’ wide so driveways need to be at least 10’ wide. Driveways should be designed to leave adequate room for snow storage when roads are plowed in winter.

2. Do not store firewood or other flammable items on decks or porches near house.

3. Eliminate pine needles, or other flammable materials from under decks/porches.

4. Store flammable or toxic chemicals in areas away from your home.

5. Use metal or other non-flammable roofing material on your home.

6. Use metal or other non-flammable skirting material around your house, and enclose crawl spaces under decks or porches to prevent embers from blowing underneath.

For more tips, see “Fire and Homes” section in your Good Neighbor Handbook, available at the  Methow Conservancy.

Also see these websites:  www.firewise.org   --   www.nifc.gov   --   www.wfas.net 
 

Recycling & Disposal of Building Materials

Call the Twisp Transfer Station (997-2025), or Methow Valley Sanitation (997-8862) for help with your disposal needs.

Building and landscaping materials may be recycled through Methow Resource and Recovery, located on Wagner Road in Twisp.  This year (2010) they plan to be open from May 1 thru Oct 31, Thurs. and Sat. from 10 AM to 4 PM, and sometimes by appointment. Contact them at 509-997-5643.

Firewise as a Word Document