Fire Hazard Rating - HIGH - August 19 2014

Our local fire hazard rating has returned to high.  A fire hazard rating of high requires a 2 hour fire watch after work is shut down for the day.  After 3 days (including today) with a fire hazard rating of high, Early Shift restrictions come into effect.  Early Shift requires a 1 PM shutdown, a 2 hour fire watch and appropriate fire fighting equipment on sight.  For those who may not have read the regulation another requirement for those performing high risk activities when a fire watch is required is a way to call for help.  If you work alone this means a radio or phone that is fully functional on the work site.  A signaling device (such as an air horn) is allowed for this purpose if there is a dedicated person nearby that is committed to responding and provide assistance should a call for outside help be needed.  All fires are to be reported even if successfully managed without outside help.  While these requirements and restrictions may seem onerous to some the victims of wildfire are the ones that pay the price. The best advice I can pass along to anyone working at high risk activities is to know what your responsibilities are, be fire smart and work safe. 

Ross