Category 2 and 3 fire bans took effect on Cortes Island May 17.
Category 1 fires are still permitted for the time being, which means campfires that are 1.5 meters in diameter or smaller are allowed, but they must be surrounded by a 10 foot radius with no flammables, a water source must be accessible nearby, and the fire must be fully extinguished with water before the area is left unattended.
The local fire department received over $50,000 in improved infrastructure and equipment, including a new pumper truck, set to arrive at the end of the month.
According to the Cortes Fire Chief, the island faced 120 days of no rain. Additional infrastructure that is now in service includes a water tank in Mansons Landing.
To find out how to minimize fire risk around your home go to cortesfire.org.
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