Around the area Oct. 2

CLARK COUNTY
Burning ban lifted around county

Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway on Wednesday lifted the countywide burning ban, saying that recent rain, moisture in woody fuels and forecasts for more rain have reduced the danger.

However, folks still must obey outdoor burning regulations and permit requirements, according to a bulletin issued in conjunction with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Recreational fires are permitted in improved pits in designated local, county, state and commercial campgrounds.

On private land, recreational fires must be in a metal, stone or masonry-lined pit like those seen at approved campgrounds. Use of burn barrels is illegal.

Fires must be attended at all times and can’t exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height. They must be at least 25 feet from a building or combustible material, and have 20 feet of clearance from overhead tree limbs, patio covers and carports.
For more information, visit www.clark.wa.gov.

CAMAS
School mediation set with nonteachers

The Camas School District has announced five meeting dates for formal mediation with nonteaching district workers bargaining for a new contract.

The district and Public School Employees union representatives will meet Monday and Oct. 9. Three additional dates have been agreed to, if needed.

Wage and seniority issues are among top sticking points in talks that began in April and bogged down this summer.

About 322 classified workers continue to operate under terms of a three-year contract that expired Aug. 31.

VANCOUVER
Police to discuss crime trends at forum

Vancouver police will have a community forum to discuss crime trends and community policing initiatives that effect citizens within the West Precinct boundaries. Residents, business owners, apartment managers or anyone who works in the area is encouraged to attend.

The event will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Discovery Middle School, 800 E. 40th St.

The neighborhood associations served by the precinct include Fruit Valley, Northwest, Lincoln, Carter Park, Hough, Esther Short, Arnada, Shumway, Rose Village and West Minnehaha.

VANCOUVER
Open house Saturday at fire station

Local families are invited to have fun — and learn about safety and danger — at the Vancouver Fire Department’s open house.

It runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Station 81, Northeast Andresen Road and 63rd Street, near Walnut Grove Elementary School.

There’ll be Dalmatian dogs, antique fire engines, bagpipes, temporary tattoos and junior firefighter races with turnout gear, according to a fire department bulletin. Children can watch firefighters perform emergency medical procedures on teddy bears and learn to escape a home fire in the EDITH trailer.

Bike helmets will be sold at cost, $10, and trauma staff from Southwest Washington Medical Center will provide free custom fittings. Volunteers will show folks how to put together three-day self-sufficiency kits, recommended for all families.

Fire Chief Don Bivins will chat with visitors.

Free buses will shuttle visitors between the school, the station and the Safeway shopping center at 6711 N.E. 63rd St. Onsite parking is for disabled motorists only.