Local firefighters are getting ready for the wildfire season, and they’re looking for some help reducing the risk of fires this summer.

Crews with Clallam County Fire District 3 drill constantly to maintain their firefighting and emergency medical skills, but as the weather warms up, the district’s Wildland Fire Team — composed of both career and volunteer members — has been preparing to extinguish vegetation fires.

While the Wildland Fire Team assists other departments on large wildland land fires and an occasional wildland fire locally, most of the fires within Clallam County Fire District 3 are brush and bark fires, district representatives said. Grasses and ornamental beauty bark are drying out, causing fires to spread more quickly.

Fire district representatives say a very preventable wildfire starting scenario is a still-burning cigarette butt tossed into bark or drying weeds. Residents are asked to properly dispose of any tobacco products into a designated receptacle.

No residential burning is allowed in Clallam County. The burn restrictions will remain in force through Sept. 30. This includes propane weed burners.

Until then, extreme care needs to be exercised when burning yard waste and weed. The combination of dry vegetation, a bit of wind and an ignition source can quickly result in a large area on fire, fire district representatives said.

If a brush/bark fire is sighted, call 911 immediately. Supplying the address of the fire is vital to insuring a quick response and reduced fire damage.