With temperatures expected to rise to the 90’s this weekend and last for several days, officials are urging the public to take extra precautions to prevent heat-related injuries or illnesses.
Public libraries and other public facilities and commercial buildings that are air-conditioned can be utilized for protection from heat.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate well for heat stress and are less likely to sense and seek refuge from extreme changes in temperature, officials noted. Others who are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures are Infants and older children who rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids for hydration.
Ways to guard against trouble from the heat include:

• Don’t leave children or pets in cars, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Use common sense.
• Don’t overexert yourself.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
Meanwhile, a statewide burn ban took effect June 22 as authorities continued to brace for a high-risk wildfire season brought on by earlier-than-usual hot, dry weather. The ban applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission.
The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and grills is allowed under the ban.
Fireworks are still permitted for the upcoming July 4th holiday, but fire officials are reminding the public to use them safely in order to minimize the potential for accidental fires.
With heat and drought rapidly increasing fire danger in western Washington, the state Department of Natural Resources expanded its burn ban in eastern Washington to include west of the Cascades. The ban is scheduled to run through Sept. 30.
“Westside forests are drying out, and the outlook is for continued warm, dry weather,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, who heads DNR. “These conditions make it clear it’s time for a statewide burn ban.”
The state ban applies to state-owned forests, state parks and forestland under DNR fire protection. It doesn’t include federal land such as national forests and Mount Rainier National Park.