People can swap burn barrels for composting bins
People can swap burn barrels for composting bins
01 May 2010
published by www.omakchronicle.com
Canada — People can swap burn barrels for composting bins during Wildfire Awareness Week, May 2-8.
The week focuses on educating people about the dangers that wildfires pose to people, property and the environment in Washington, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
DNR and the state Department of Ecology are working together to reduce the number of wildfires and to prevent health problems caused by breathing smoke, DNR officials said.
Outdoor burning, which is illegal in most parts of Washington, is a leading cause of wildfire ignitions across the state.
DNR and DOE will exchange free composting bins for burn barrels during events in Ferry, Grant, Island, Kittitas, Lewis, Okanogan, Pacific, Skagit and Stevens counties. Other counties may be added.
The use of burn barrels is illegal statewide. A federal grant from the Bureau of Land Management for wildfire prevention is making this project possible.
“Every year in Washington, preventable wildfires threaten property and lives,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Citizens should take advantage of this exchange to help lessen the risk of fire and reduce smoke.”
Similar events held last year in Stevens and Okanogan counties brought in about 200 barrels, which were destroyed, state officials said.
