MARYSVILLE – As the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning this week, two cooling stations were set up in town.
One was at the Marysville Library, 6120 Grove St., during regular hours and the other at Marysville Fire Station 62, at 10701 Shoultes Road, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Temperatures reached near 100. Western Washington has gone 48 days without measureable rain.
Firefighters put out two brush fires Monday. The right lane of I-5 southbound was blocked just north of 136th as Marysville crews mopped up one of the fires. The second fire was a 103rd Place NE. A former firefighter used a hose to keep the blaze from spreading before crews arrived. All told, the Marysville Fire District responded to at least six brush or vegetation fires over the previous two weeks by Wednesday.
Outdoor burning is banned in unincorporated Snohomish County and within Marysville city limits, with the exception of recreational fires. Fire Marshal Tom Maloney cautioned against any kind of burning.
“As this prolonged dry period continues, our grass and other fuels can catch fire extremely easily,” Maloney said. “We strongly advise against any type of outdoor burning, even recreational fires, until we receive significant rainfall.”
The department said please use caution and do not throw cigarettes out of car windows. Also:
•Check up on the the elderly, especially those without air conditioning. •Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities.
•Don’t leave children, elderly, disabled people or pets in a hot car.
•Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of water and shelter from the sun.
•Keep your car maintained and avoid driving through or parking on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes can catch grass on fire.
•Keep your lawn mowed to reduce the amount of fuel that could burn. Mow early in the morning when there’s more humidity and be sure to dispose of the cuttings.
•Keep mulch or beauty bark thoroughly watered and avoid placing mulch against combustible materials, including decks and siding.
In other fire news:
•Firefighters Joe Thacker, Solomon Wilson and Ryan Carbary have graduated from the Washington State Patrol Fire Academy. •Firefighter Brien Gronemyer just graduated from the University of Washington – Medic One Paramedic Training Program. •And 6-year-old Landon Knudson recently served as Fire Chief for a Day. He rode in the ladder truck bucket and even got to spray a fire hose.
The Snohomish County PUD also has some tips for keep your home cool.
•Avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven or grill outside.
•Install efficient LEDs that run cooler. •Keep your shades and curtains drawn during the day to keep heat out.
•Open windows at night to take advantage of cooler air.
•Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air-drying both dishes and clothing.
•Minimize activities that generate heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and TVs will add some heat to your home.
Also, consider a heat pump, which provides efficient cooling. The PUD offers instant rebates for eligible heat pumps. For details go to snopud.com/energytips.
