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DISTRICT 1 NEWS
more...June 2015

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Fire danger this holiday - Be careful!

 

A complete burn ban is in effect, due to the extreme dry conditions in our area. That means no outdoor fires, even in a fire pit. The Governor has issued a warning statewide and Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands has banned all fires on State Department of Natural Resources forest land.

 


I
n Island County we depend upon mostly volunteer fire departments to respond when a blaze erupts. This year the danger is high. The official burn bans unfortunately cannot include fireworks (according to state law), so it is important for individuals to voluntarily restrict their use. Chief Palmer, Sheriff Brown and the Board of Commissioners agree that the discharge of personal fireworks presents a significant fire danger in our area. Grasslands and forests are drier than usual and low moisture levels are expected to continue.

 

 

Some local charities use fireworks sales to fund their good works. If you wish to support these efforts, perhaps this is the year to make a cash donation instead, and forgo the personal fireworks. We can enjoy the numerous commercial fireworks displays this year and help to keep our islands wild fire free.

 

Deception Pass Closure Scheduled
 

It is time for important maintenance on Whidbey's iconic connection to the north. Deception Pass and Canoe Pass bridges paving to begin July 12. This is being done through Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

The crews are scheduled to start work at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 12, and finish by the morning of Friday, July 17.

  

WSDOT Bridge closure details:

  • Sunday night, July 12, to Friday morning, July 17.

  • Closed nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

  • The bridges will be open 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Drivers should expect rough road conditions between closures.

  • Nighttime access to/from Whidbey Island will be by ferry only during regularly scheduled runs. 

    The work is extremely weather-dependent. If rain or cool temperatures are in the forecast for that week, the closure could be postponed for a week or more. WSDOT will continue to monitor the weather forecasts to ensure the work can be successfully completed within the closure times. 

 

 

WSDOT's message is that they "appreciate your understanding during the nighttime bridge closures. We know it's difficult for people who rely on the bridge at night, but just five nights of closures will yield years and years of smooth roadway. Thanks for your patience!"

 

Questions? Comments? Contact Tom Pearce at [email protected]

  
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It is an honor to serve you,

 
Helen Price Johnson
Island County Commissioner, Dist. 1

[email protected] 

(360)679-7354

PO Box 5000

Coupeville, WA 98239