Beginning today, all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County is banned until further notice.
The county’s interim fire marshal has rescinded all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits may be reissued or extended once the ban is lifted.
County policy is to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. However, unusually hot and dry weather may result in bans beginning earlier or ending later. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, nearly 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are human caused via burning debris, fireworks, discarded cigarettes or equipment malfunctions.
County burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands. Recreational campfires on forest lands are allowed but only in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as commercial campgrounds and local, county and state parks.
Recreational fires are permitted on private lands but must be in a metal, stone or masonry lined fire pit, may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height, must be at least 25 feet from structures or other combustible materials and have at least 20 feet of clearance from tree limbs, patio covers, carports or other overhead fuels.
Additionally, portable outdoor fireplaces designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
All recreational fires must be completely extinguished. Self-contained camp stoves are also a safe and easy alternative to campfires.
For more information, call the Fire Marshal’s office at 564-397-2186 or go to www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/burning.html.
Fireworks
County residents are also reminded to help prevent fireworks-related fires, injuries and pollution by properly disposing of their fireworks following Fourth of July festivities. Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. When not properly disposed of, debris from fireworks can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife.
To prevent contamination, sweep up and dispose of fireworks debris as soon as possible and avoid using fireworks near waterways. Clark County Public Works does not provide additional street sweeping after the Fourth of July.
To dispose of used fireworks, place them in a bucket of water overnight then in a garbage bag and into a garbage can. Dump the water onto grass or dirt, not onto pavement, away from storm drains. Do not place used fireworks in recycling bins. Never put unused fireworks in garbage or recycling carts as they are explosives and can cause serious harm to workers.
Unused fireworks can be taken to a designated drop-off site between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments may be required, and fireworks must be given to personnel, not left in the lobby or outside.
