Ban to be lifted on Mon., Oct. 1
VANCOUVER — Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway will lift a burning ban for all land clearing fires on Mon., Oct. 1.
The risk of wildfires being caused by an escaped land clearing fire has significantly declined because of recent rainfall and the forecast for more rain and cooler temperatures. A regional ban typically is in place from July 15 to Oct. 1.
Residents must follow all local outdoor burning regulations and burning permit requirements. Recreational campfires are allowed in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as those found in local, county and state parks.
On private land, recreational fires must comply with the following regulations:
- Fires must be built in metal, rock or masonry-lined pits, such as those in established campgrounds or sold in home and garden stores.
- Fires cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
- Fires must be at least 25 feet from structures or combustible materials and have at least 20 feet of overhead clearance from tree limbs, patio covers and carports.
- Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person, at least 16 years old, who can extinguish the fire using a shovel and at least 5 gallons of water in one or more containers or a connected hose with the water turned on.
- Fires must be extinguished by pouring water or shoveling moist soil onto flames and coals and stirring until all areas are cool to the touch.
The use of burn barrels is illegal in unincorporated Clark County.
For more information, go to www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/burning.html.
These regulations pertain only to areas outside city limits. Residents in cities should check with their municipality for regulations on recreational fires and other outside burning.
