Outdoor burning

Burn ban expands to include recreational fires effective August 13

Due to the extreme fire danger, recreational fires will be prohibited throughout unincorporated Clark County effective Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. 

This recreational fire restriction is in addition to the general outdoor burning prohibition that was implemented on July 1. See below.

These types of fires are prohibited with this recreational fire ban until further notice:

• Recreational fires and bonfires
• Campfires
• Fires in outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimney-type devices

According to Interim Fire Marshal Curtis Eavenson this is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires as a result of escaped campfires. 

“The ban is being implemented due to the upcoming weather forecast of extremely hot and dry conditions next week,” said Eavenson. “The forecasted hot, dry weather and a lack of humidity over the next week will increase the potential for fire danger.”

Creating a defensible space around a home helps prevent wildfires from spreading to a residence, or vice versa. Eavenson recommends the following measures in both rural and urban areas:

• Remove fuel:
  • Within 3-5 feet of foundations, outbuildings, garages and sheds
  • Within 10 feet of a house
  • Under decks and porches
  • From gutters, eaves, porches and decks
• Cut the lawn if it is brown. Dispose of debris and cuttings.
• Prune trees so lowest branches are 6-10 feet above the ground.
• Landscape with native and flame-resistant plants.

Self-contained camp stoves and charcoal barbeques, which are not banned, are a safe and easy alternative for outdoor cooking. 

Warm weather burn ban effective July 1

Starting Saturday, July 1, all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County will be banned until further notice.

The interim Fire Marshal also is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County implements a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, under certain conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility! All outdoor fires must be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is extinguished. Provide adequate means for extinguishing a fire and keep it readily available. Don't burn if wind conditions make it hazardous to do so. Adhere to the fire safety requirements listed on your permit.

For more information, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 564.397.2186 or visit the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/burning.html. 

CONTACT:
Max Booth, Interim Fire Marshal, Community Development
564.397.4057, max.booth@clark.wa.gov
Curtis Eavenson, Assistant Fire Marshal, Community Development
564.397.3320, curtis.eavenson@clark.wa.gov