SB 5019-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares an intent to allow for a procedure that will help prevent wildfires during times of extreme fire danger by allowing some prohibitions on outdoor burning.

     Does not intend for this power to be utilized to deal with air pollution or public health concerns.  Those problems are addressed through the Washington clean air act, chapter 70.94 RCW.

     Declares that, whenever the director of fire protection finds that conditions of extreme fire hazard exist and that state resources or the protection of life and property may be in danger due to wildfire, the director of fire protection may recommend to the governor that the governor forbid outdoor burning on public and private land throughout the state or within specific portions of the state.

     Provides that, upon receiving such a recommendation from the director of fire protection, and if the governor finds that state resources or the protection of life and property are in danger due to wildfire then the governor may issue an executive order forbidding outdoor burning throughout the state or within specific portions of the state.

     Declares that it is unlawful for any person to conduct or cause to be conducted outdoor burning at any time and place that is forbidden by an executive order issued under this act.

     Provides that an intentional violation of this act is a gross misdemeanor, and knowing violation of this act is a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW.