Wildfire Smoke Rule Enacted to Protect Workers

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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) filed an emergency rule effective July 16, 2021, to protect workers from potential hazards related to wildfire smoke. The emergency rule applies to workplaces where employers “reasonably anticipate that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke.” Wildfire smoke exposure is potentially a serious health risk to all workers, but those working outside in industries such as construction and agriculture are significantly impacted.

Inhalation of particulate matter measured at 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), which is elevated during wildfire smoke events, has been shown to cause adverse cardiovascular health effects. The emergency rule includes employer requirements for checking PM2.5 levels, communication, training, monitoring, and implementation of various exposure controls, as well as requirements for providing respiratory protection when PM2.5 levels reach certain levels.

The rule goes into effect July 16, 2021, and enforcement of the rule occurs at later dates: July 23, 2021, for exposure controls and the respiratory protection provision, and August 2, 2021, for worker training.

For more information regarding the rule, its requirements and exemptions, and wildfire smoke hazards, see https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/topics/wildfire-smoke.

Governor Inslee Declares Wildfire State of Emergency

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Effective July 6, 2021, Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide wildfire state of emergency relating to the number of early season wildfires and included statewide restrictions on outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2021.

“Washington is facing a historic drought and we have already experienced record-breaking heat. We must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent wildfires, and the loss of life and destruction of land and property that comes with them,” Inslee said. “We don’t want a repeat of recent years with dangerous wildfires across the state that have destroyed towns, killed livestock and resulted in weeks of unhealthy air quality. I urge everyone to do their part to help protect our beautiful state and all our communities.”

The Washington National Guard has been activated by this proclamation to assist with wildfire suppression efforts.

To read the state of emergency proclamation, click here.

DNR Extends Burn Ban to Include Campfires (7/2/2021)

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All campfires are prohibited, including campfires in campgrounds, in Spokane County.

Rule burns (burns without a written permit issued by DNR) and permit burns continue to be prohibited by DNR within Spokane County.

“The record-breaking temperatures we saw last weekend have left our state bone dry,” said DNR Commissioner Hilary Franz, “and the risks from fireworks and other holiday activities make the situation even more precarious. I am asking everyone in Washington to do their part to protect our firefighters and our communities this summer. Please do not start a fire outside, and please do not set off your own fireworks this weekend.”

Learn more about DNR burn restrictions.

Outdoor Recreational Fires and Open Burning also continue to be restricted due to the hot, dry conditions and fire danger in Spokane County.

Learn more at SpokaneCleanAir.org/burning/burn-restrictions/.