This past spring, the county fire marshal’s office changed the procedure for issuing illegal burn citations, reverting back to how it was three years ago.

The fire marshal and deputy fire marshal can no longer issue citations on scene. Incidents are handled with education and in some cases reported to the prosecuting attorney, who decides whether or not to proceed with charges.

“Under normal circumstances, if a violation of the county’s fire code is observed, the first response is education,” said San Juan County Fire Marshal Steve Marler. “Almost everyone responds well to friendly advice.”

On those occasions when someone continues to disregard the fire code, responders can send information on to the prosecuting attorney (the preferred method) or call the sheriff’s office to assess the situation – if it is considered life-threatening. Deputies have the ability to write a citation, but Marler says that is rare.

“I’ve been in the fire service since 1976, and involved in fire prevention since 1979.  In all of that time, I have found it necessary to issue a citation just once,” Marler said. “Almost every other time, friendly education solved the issue. Once in a while, the PA’s office had to get involved. Even then, I can think of only two times when the issue actually ended up before a judge.”

To report a fire code violation on Orcas Island, call the fire station at 376-2331.