NEWS BRIEF

Rustlers Gulch controlled burn coming

NEWPORT – The Rustlers Gulch Unit and the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area, approximately 250 acres in Pend Oreille County near Pend Oreille County Park, is set for a prescribed burn this fall. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is managing the burn, which could start this week, according to a news release.

Prescribed fires are a forest management practice land mangers use to reduce the risk of future wildfires, reduce the severity of wildfires when they do happen, and improve habitat for wildlife.

Prescribed fires are conducted during conditions that favor low intensity burning, such as in the fall when temperatures are cooler and there is increased precipitation.

All prescribed fires are weather dependent. If conditions are not optimal for safe and effective prescribed fires, they will not occur. Additional burns on WDFW-managed Eastern Washington lands could be announced if conditions are favorable. Signs are posted in advance of all prescribed fires to inform people who use these areas.

Fire District 4 budget hearing Nov. 6

DALKENA – Pend Oreille County Fire District 4 will hold its annual budget meeting Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. at the meeting room of the fire station at 11 Dalkena Street. The meeting is for fire district commissioners to review and adopt its 2025 budget.

Septic systems topic for commissioners Oct. 15

NEWPORT - The Pend Oreille County Commissioners will host a meeting with Northeast Tri County Health District on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 2:30 p.m. during the Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting. NETCHD’s Administrator Matt Schanz and Environmental Health Director Jon Ness will be participating in a roundtable discussion on septic issues related to septic permits.

The meeting will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room in Old County Courthouse, 625 W. 4th Street, Newport, and is also available via Zoom at https://zoom. us/j/5094474119, Meeting ID: 509 447 4119. For further information, contact Clerk of the Board Crystal Zieske at 509-4474119.

Debris burns prohibited

NEWPORT – All debris burns in Pend Oreille County are prohibited, although burning with a state Department of Natural Resources permit is allowed. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds.

Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds. Campfires must be always attended, be no larger than three feet by three feet and no taller than two feet. A charged hose or five gallons of water need to be present, along with a shovel. If a fire escapes, the property owner is responsible for any and all fire suppression costs.

Daily updates on burn restrictions are available at 1-800-323-BURN.