A forest landowner shall be absolutely liable for fire suppression costs for any fire that occurs and abatement is required under the following conditions:
(1) Any additional fire hazard within a distance of one hundred feet from the closest edge of the running surface of any state or federal highway, county road or railroad;
(2) Any additional fire hazard within a distance of one hundred feet from the closest edge of the running surface of any other road, as hereinafter defined, that is generally open to and frequently used by the public during periods of fire danger. For the purpose of these rules and regulations, the term "other road" shall be defined as those roads owned or controlled by private individuals, partnerships or corporations, or by public agencies, including, without limitation, the department or the United States Forest Service, and which provide the principal access during periods of fire danger where normal use is seventy-five vehicles or more per week to geographic features of significant public interest and use such as lakes, streams, established viewpoints, lava tubes, ice caves, features of unique geological interest, recreational parks and developments or other facilities intended for frequent public use;
(3) Any additional fire hazard within a distance of two hundred feet, if required in writing by the department, and up to a maximum of five hundred feet, adjacent to public campgrounds, school grounds, other areas of frequent concentrated public use, buildings in use as residences (furnished and being occupied or available for immediate occupancy) and other buildings or structures valued at one thousand dollars or more, which are not owned by the owner of the land upon which such additional fire hazard exists;
(4) The department may identify other specific areas of additional fire hazard, with comparable high risk of ignition and/or a threat to life and property and, upon written notification, require abatement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
76.04.015. WSR 87-11-005 (Order 504), § 332-24-650, filed 5/8/87.]