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AREA FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN CALLS FOR POSSIBLE ILLEGAL BURNING

Apr 13, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2020

Contacts:

Julie Happy

Spokane Valley Fire Department

509.892.4155

Jamie McIntyre

Spokane Fire Department

509.435.7058

AREA FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN CALLS FOR POSSIBLE ILLEGAL BURNING

Both Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) and Spokane Fire Department (SFD) are experiencing an increase in calls regarding possible illegal burning. Warmer spring weather and social distancing has residents outdoors doing yard work and spring cleaning. We want to remind area residents that burning of garbage, including construction material, and the use of burn barrels are prohibited in the region. Burning outdoors, including yard debris, is not allowed in most areas of Spokane County. Recreational fires are allowed at this time.

Outdoor burning regulations and requirements can be viewed at SpokaneCleanAir.org/burning.

“Over the last six weeks, we’ve logged over 70 complaints from individuals being affected by smoke,” stated Julie Oliver, executive director for Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. “Breathing smoke affects the respiratory system and is especially harmful to sensitive populations including youth, seniors, and those with underlying heart and respiratory conditions,” added Oliver.

Fire departments are experiencing an increase in call volume as well.

“With the increase of smoke in the air, those with existing lung and heart complications are put at further risk, especially those suffering from symptoms of the virus.” Said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers. “Not only does it hurt people with underlying conditions, but also first responders. It is critical that we not elevate the risk for anyone who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and local air quality is imperative given the nature of what we are experiencing.”

Recreational fires that get out-of-control are a common cause of wildfires caused by people. You can be held financially responsible for the cost of fire department response and any property damage it caused.

“Since January 1, 2020 Spokane Fire Department has responded to over 35 incidents of occupants burning yard waste, garbage or construction material” stated Spokane Fire Department Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Year round it is illegal to burn yard waste, construction materials and household debris. These items release particles into the air that are hazardous to breathe. In the midst of this respiratory health crisis be mindful of your recreational fire safety.”

If you are following regulations, please remember to “Be Fire Smart”:

Use clean, dry firewood or manufactured logs,
Burn 25’ away from any structure, like a house, garage, or fence,
Have an extinguisher or charged water hose nearby,
Stay near the fire,
Keep any fire small; no larger than 3’ wide and 2’ tall, and
Put out the fire completely!

During the COVID-19 crisis, local fire departments and first responders are working diligently to protect our health so that we can protect our community. Please help us by considering voluntarily limiting wood burning (indoors and outdoors). Many people in our communities are also extremely concerned about their respiratory health. Before starting an indoor or outdoor burn of any type, please consider the potential impacts on your neighbors and on local emergency responders.

For more information on current burn conditions, visit https://www.spokanecleanair.org/current-burning-conditions or call the Burn Status hotline at (509) 477-4710.

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← 509 FOOLS FOOD DRIVE SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE COMMISSIONER MEETING WILL BE HELD ON LINE TODAY AT 4 PM →

Did you Know?

You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.

You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.

Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.

We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.

Media Contact

Julie Happy

509-892-4155

happyj@spokanevalleyfire.com

Commissioner Patrick Burch

Board Member Since: July 18, 2016
Current term expires: December 31, 2025

Commissioner Burch was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners in July 2016 to fill an unexpired term and has served continuously since that time. He became a volunteer member of the Department’s CERT Team in 2008 and later served as a team leader/member of Fire Corps.

“I admire the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s focus on continuous improvement. Our dedication to the community, fiscal responsibility and the fact that we are one of the few accredited fire departments in the State of Washington all make SVFD great!”

Note: As the individual appointed to this non-partisan position, Commissioner Burch was elected by voters in November 2017.

Commissioner Mike Kester

Board Member Since: January 1, 2020
Current six year term expires: December 31, 2025

Commissioner Mike Kester was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners in November, 2019.

Commissioner Kester grew up in the Spokane area and has a deep appreciation for just how fortunate we all are to live in this beautiful area. He believes that being involved in this community is not something to take lightly.

His background includes joining the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G) after high school and serving on a port firefighting boat doing search and rescue in Portland, Oregon. After the Coast Guard, he attended the University of Montana earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Resource Management. He then went on to work for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, serving in their Parks Department.

Spokane was the next step in his career. He went to work for the Burlington Santa Fe Railroad and the next 22 years was spent as a conductor moving freight. Commissioner Kester retired in 2010 after a workplace injury and now, he and his wife enjoy making meals for World War II Veterans, helping out at the YMCA ,and providing meals for those in need.

“In the 25 years of being a resident of the Spokane Valley the professionalism of the SVFD has inspired me to take an active part in bettering our community. We have one of the best fire departments in the whole Pacific Northwest. My wife and I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I have dedicated my life to keeping them safe. I want to apply that dedication to our community. Keeping us all safe is a goal we should all aspire to in one way or another. Communication within the department and with the public is, and always will be one of my primary goals.”

Commissioner John Guarisco

Board Member since: August 27, 2018
Current six year term expires: December 31, 2027

Commissioner Guarisco was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners in August 2018 to fill an unexpired term and has served continuously since that time. Commissioner Guarisco founded Marjoni Marketing in 2004 and in 2010 merged with MDI marketing. He then pursued Real Estate, earning his license and now, currently serves the greater Spokane area as a licensed Realtor. He has long been active in the community and has won numerous awards during his career including the Volunteer of the Year (2014) and the Community Caring Award (2010) from the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Greater Spokane Valley Rotary Club and holds an AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College.

Note: As the individual appointed to this non-partisan position, Commissioner Guarisco was elected by voters in November 2019.

Commissioner Bill Anderson

Board Member since: January 1, 2000
Current six year term expires: December 31, 2023

Commissioner Anderson served our community as a Spokane Valley Fire Department firefighter for 29 years. Throughout his career, he worked as a firefighter, dispatcher and engineer before he was promoted and became an officer. He was Station Captain of Millwood Station 2 when he retired in 1999. During his years as firefighter, he was an active leader of Spokane Valley Firefighters Local 876 and served as a trustee on the Washington State Council of Firefighters for 25 years.

“It’s important to me that we continue the good service we’ve always given the people. We’ve accomplished a lot and are pulling in the same direction to get better. I’m very proud of the Spokane Valley Fire Department.”

Commissioner Brian Asmus

Board Member Since: June 14, 2021
Current term expires:

Commissioner Brian Asmus was appointed to the Spokane Valley Fire Department Board of Fire Commissioners in 2021.

Commissioner Asmus is the former Liberty Lake Police Chief and current Director of Safety and Security at Central Valley School District (CVSD).

“Brian Asmus brings extensive Public Safety leadership experience, and a long history of being actively engaged in his community to his new role as a SVFD Commissioner,” said SVFD Fire Chief, Bryan Collins. “During his time as a Police Chief, Brian interacted with SVFD firefighters and administrators on a regular basis, making him very familiar with our structure, standing within our communities, as well as with many of our current SVFD board members and personnel. Brian’s experience working and collaborating on regional issues aligns nicely with SVFD’s philosophy and will help us continue to be a catalyst for local and regional excellence and innovation.”