Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Wildfire topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rush Valley fire department urges residents to heed state wildfire restrictions, readies WUI code adoption
Summary
The town's fire department reported 31 emergency responses since the last meeting, said the town must adopt the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code under House Bill 48 by January, and reminded residents that the area is under Stage 2 fire restrictions.
The Rush Valley volunteer fire department reported 31 emergency responses since the last meeting, including 15 fires, 11 medical calls and five traffic accidents. Chief remarks noted 27 responses were in the county, three in Stockton and one in town.
Fire department personnel told the council that House Bill 48 requires municipalities to adopt the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code (referred to in meeting remarks as the WUI or "LOUIE" code) by January and that the department will ask planning and zoning to review updated WUI maps so the town can complete adoption. The department said it will coordinate with county staff to update maps and prepare for adoption.
The department also warned residents that the state has placed the region under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Officials explained what Stage 2 means for common activities: campfires are not allowed, and open burning is restricted; propane appliances (barbecue-type units) may be allowed if used on cleared, bare ground and used cautiously. The fire department emphasized that the state sets the restriction and the town is enforcing it locally. Officials said violations that cause a fire can result in billing for suppression costs.
Chief remarks also noted an ongoing contract negotiation that, if finalized, would allow the department to bill for some emergency response costs on unincorporated calls and reimburse volunteer time up to stated department limits.
