Joint Fire Protection District 3&8 is pleased to announce our new to us (2010) 1100cc wave runner for swift water rescue. Thanks to John Kearney and Robert Lee’s talents, this wave runner was restored to like new condition. This year past year alone we had three situations where this type of vessel could have been used. Now we have the equipment, it’s time to get into the water and do some training.

There has been some confusion among the public as to what exactly are the rules for burning. Below is a pfd which explains what you can burn, how to burn, and whether or not you need a permit.

It’s an easy read. Only two pages long. Read it over so you don’t get a ticket for unpermitted burning.

Remember, large forest fires start from a small spark.

It seems like Winter would never end.  The snow, the cold, the high heating bills!  And yet, time marches on and Spring has finally come.  In a few short weeks, the weather is going to dry up and summer will descend upon Kettle Falls with its BBQ, sailing on the Columbia River, swimming, and the hot and dry weather.

The area we live in is beautiful, there’s no argument there.  But that beauty comes with a danger.  We live in an area prone to wildfires.  Look around, there’s an awful lot to burn out there.  A stray lightning strike, a trash pile burn that gets out of control, even a dead tree that falls on a power line can translate into disaster in a matter of minutes.  (Did you know that the Boyd’s wildfire from a couple years ago was caused by a tree falling on a powerline?)

As residents, we have to do our part to protect our property from these disasters that can strike literally with no notice.  Your fire department will do its very best to respond to emergencies, but in a rural district, it takes time to respond, to gather resources, and to get those resources to you.  And in a major disaster like during a wildfire, resources may be stretched beyond capacity.  Sometimes — often — it will be what we do to prepare our houses and properties that will make the difference between saving our homes and losing them completely.

How prepared is your property?  Are you ready for a fire?

The National Fire Protection Association has put together a flyer titled How To Prepare Your Home For Wildfires.  You’ll find it a handy reference and we include it for you in this newsletter.

What is important is to make your home fire proof.  Barring that, make your home defensible.  When firefighters are faced with a wildfire that threatens multiple homes, sometimes painful decisions must be made as to which home can be saved and which home is unsalvageable.  If you have dead trees up against your home, tall dead grass surrounding it, and a narrow, one-way road onto your property, there may be nothing that can be done to save it.  That is why it is important, now, to make ready for a disaster that hopefully will never come.

Better to be prepared and not need it than need it and be unprepared.

Be vigilant with your landscaping. You don’t want this happening on your property!

At midnight tonight we will be removing some of the restrictions on burning in NE Region with the exception of the Valley Fire Danger Rating Area. Due to the lack of precipitation that fell in the Okanogan Valley and the resulting delay in spring green-up we will be maintaining that restriction until further notice. We are evaluating the amount of precipitation and the resulting fuel moistures and will return to seasonal norms as soon as possible.

Thank you all for your feedback, patience and support as we weighed the effects of our decision and tried to provide the most common sense direction with the tools at hand.

Please share with your email lists to spread the word as much as possible, our only request is that our partners and stakeholders share the website on burn restrictions with the public to keep the messaging as consistent as possible. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions

Below is the link that you can share with your customers if they would like to get a burn permit.

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/wildfire/outdoor-burning/burn-permits

Trails and undeveloped areas remain open on the Colville National Forest. Rumors have been circulating that National Forest lands are completely shut down through Sept. 30 — that’s not true!

What is Open: Trails, dispersed camping, most roads, and firewood cutting is still open. Be aware that many areas may not be accessible due to wet, muddy, and snowy conditions.

What is Closed: Developed recreation sites, like pay-to-stay campgrounds, trailheads, ranger stations, and restrooms are closed while the governor’s stay-at-home order is in place. Closures are temporary, but are in effect until further notice.

To access trails or undeveloped forest areas, park in turnouts or along roadsides where it is safe to do so and do not block roads. Then walk to the trail or forest area you’d like to enjoy.

• We closed our developed recreation sites in alignment with the Governors’ Stay Home orders and will work with state and local authorities to align reopening with the lifting of state ‘stay home’ orders.

• Even though the official closure notice runs through Sept. 30, they can be rescinded early when conditions permit.

• Some developed recreation sites such as campgrounds and Snow Peak Cabin may take longer to reopen due to pre-season work that will need to be rescheduled as we continue to prioritize the safety and health of staff and communities.

There is a temporary burn ban in place for Eastern Washington.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.^*

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Call your doctor:  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Steps to protect yourself

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. alert icon

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

• If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

The information contained here comes from the Center for Disease Control