Extreme temperatures are creating additional concerns this summer for the fire department. East Pierce Fire and Rescue crews have already seen an increase in the number of brush fires in the area. “We’ve been lucky so far,” says East Pierce Fire Chief Bud Backer. “Most of the brush fires have been relatively small and have not endangered homes or injured anyone. But that could change.”

Prompted by forecasts calling for continued hot, dry weather, Pierce County has issued a ban on all outdoor burning with the exception of small recreational fires in established fire pits on private property with the owner’s permission. The ban will be in effect until further notice. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has banned all campfires on state-owned land.

“Due to drought conditions, fuel moisture content is below critical levels,” Backer says.”The fire danger is starting earlier and is expected to last longer.”

In addition to being extra cautious with fireworks, East Pierce firefighters ask residents to be especially careful when using anything that could produce or emit a spark, such as motorcycle, ATV or chain saw.

The fire department recommends that residents take precautions to protect homes and property by reducing potential fuel for a fire. They suggest:

– Raking leaves, dead timber and twigs to remove flammable vegetation, especially from

under structures;

– Removing dead branches that extend over the roof;

– Mowing grass regularly;

– Clearing a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue;

– Thinning a 15-foot space between tree crowns and prune limbs within 15 feet of the ground;

– Asking the power company to clear branches from power lines;

– Removing vines from the walls of the home;

– Disposing of rubbish at an approved site;

– Stacking firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home;

– Identifying and maintaining an outside water source such as a well, swimming pool, hydrant or small cistern;

– Having a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and structures on the property;

– Treating wood or combustible material in roofs, siding, decking and trim with UL-approved fire retardant chemicals;

– Storing gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings; and

– Finally, always make sure all driveway entrances prominently display your address.

As the water slowly returns to Lake Tapps, the firefighters warn those who head for the lake to be extra cautious this summer. “We always need to be mindful that the water in Lake Tapps is very cold. This year is no exception,” says East Pierce Public Education Specialist Dina Sutherland. The water coming into the lake is diverted from the glacier-fed White River. Ice-cold water can lead to the rapid loss of body heat, even on a hot summer day. “When the body’s temperature drops, blood is shunted away from the arms and legs to protect the core and vital organs, making swimming or even treading water difficult. Within minutes, a person can become disoriented and lose consciousness,” she says.

Responding to water-related emergencies is also a challenge this year. The East Pierce Fire and Rescue Water Rescue Team that was furloughed for six months due to budget cuts will be back on duty beginning July 1. However, the water rescue boat, located at the north end of Lake Tapps, cannot be launched until water levels increase significantly.

“Avoiding the need to be rescued is the best course of action,” says East Pierce Assistant Chief Ed Goodlet. “Boaters and swimmers should be extra careful this year about obstructions just below the surface. The lower-than-normal water levels may just barely be covering stumps and other objects that pose a potential danger,” he says.

He recommends that everyone who is in or near water wear a life jacket. East Pierce offers loaner life jackets at both Lake Tapps parks. There is no cost to borrow the jackets for the day.

“We just ask that you return them for other people to borrow,” he says.

The fire department also sells life jackets at a reduced rate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the headquarters station, located at 18421 Veterans Memorial Drive East in Bonney Lake. Jackets in infant, child, youth and adult sizes sell for $14. The cost includes a free fitting.

Goodlet says that the low water levels will not affect the ability of firefighters to battle a house fire, since they do not fight residential fires from the lake. “We can still get to every home on the lake by using the surface streets, just as we always have” he says.