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SPECIAL NOTICE
Residential Burning
January 16, 2012 - Burning outside the permanent no-burn areas is allowed in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum Counties.
In Clark County burning in areas outside the permanent no-burn area is limited to natural vegetation only. A free permit is necessary for all fires up to 10 x 10 x 6 feet and can be printed from our website or obtained from your local fire station. Piles larger than 10 x 10 x 6 feet require a written permit from the Clark County Fire Marshal's office. The Fire Marshal can be reached at 360-397-2186.
In Cowlitz County burning in areas outside the permanent no-burn area is limited to natural vegetation only. A free permit is necessary for all fires up to 10 x 10 x 6 feet and can be printed from our website or obtained from your local fire station. Piles larger than 10 x 10 x 6 feet require a written permit from the Southwest Clean Air Agency.
In Lewis County burning in areas outside the permanent no-burn area is limited to natural vegetation only. A free permit is necessary for all fires. Pile size varies with seasonal restrictions, and can be obtained from Lewis County Community Development. They can be reached at 360-740-1133.
In Skamania County burning is limited to natural vegetation only. A free permit is necessary for all fires up to 10 x 10 x 5 feet and can be obtained from your local fire station or at the Skamania Public Works Department. They can be reached at 509-427-3910. Piles larger than 10 x 10 x 5 feet require a written permit from the Southwest Clean Air Agency.
ln Wahkiakum County burning is limited to natural vegetation only. A free permit is necessary for all fires up to 4 x 4 x 3 feet and can be obtained from your local fire station or town hall. If your area does not provide these permits you can call 360-795-3067 or 360-465-2654 to request a permit. Piles larger than 4 x 4 x 3 and land clearing operation will need to contact Chuck Beyer at 360-795-3067.
FEATURE ARTICLE
SWCAA Woodstove Replacement Program
January 19, 2012 - Woodstove Replacement Program now online!!!
Burn Dry Seasoned Firewood & Get a Moisture Meter
December 19, 2011 - When you burn dry, seasoned wood, you use less wood for the same amount of heat, you produce far less smoke and you keep your fireplace or wood stove in better working condition with less creosote build up.
When you burn unseasoned (green) or even partially seasoned wood in your fireplace or wood stove it can create lots of smoke and cause creosote build-up in your chimney which could lead to a chimney fire.
By taking the Burn Dry Seasoned Firewood Pledge, you commit to the following:
- You pledge to only burn firewood that has been split, stacked and dried for at least 6 months to a moisture content of 20% or less.
- You pledge to join our e-mail list to stay informed about Air Pollution Advisories, Fire Safety Burn Bans and receive e-notifications when a Wood Stove / Fireplace Curtailment (Burn Ban) is in effect.
- You pledge to always check before you burn to see if a Burn Ban is in effect. If a Burn Ban is in effect, you pledge to not burn (unless wood is your only adequate source of heat) until local air quality returns to healthy levels and the ban is lifted.
To redeem the Southwest Clean Air Agency offer for a free electronic wood moisture meter, follow this link for your Southwest Clean Air Agency Burn Dry Seasoned Firewood Pledge form. Quantities are limited, be sure to take the Pledge today.
Click for the Southwest Clean Air Agency Burn Dry Seasoned Firewood Pledge Form
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CLEAN AIR TIPS
Are You Using Seasoned Firewood?
December 20, 2011 - Did you know that freshly chopped firewood has up to 50% water content and won't burn in your fireplace? You must let the firewood season for at least 6 months, which allows the moisture to escape. When the wood gets below 20% water content, it is ready to burn. Do not burn unseasoned (green) or even partially seasoned wood in your wood stove or fireplace as this will create lots of smoke and cause creosote build-up in your chimney which could lead to a chimney fire.
Here are 7 helpful tips for ensuring you are using Seasoned Firewood:
Cut the wood to the right length: The wood you purchased or cut yourself should fit easily in your wood stove or fireplace. It should be about three inches shorter than the firebox width or length.
Split your wood before stacking it: After you determine the proper length, split the wood so it is the right width. This is usually no more than six inches in diameter. Splitting the wood in advance of stacking it increases exposure to air, which improves the drying process.
Check the moisture content: After splitting the firewood, use a moisture meter to check the starting moisture content. The goal is 20 percent moisture content.
Stack your wood in alternate directions: This spacing allows for better circulation and further reduces moisture content.
Store your firewood off the ground: Build a wood shed or a structure to keep firewood six inches or more off the ground. This will help protect the bottom of the wood pile from moisture.
Cover the top, but leave the sides exposed: The best option is to build a structure that has a roof. You can use a tarp to cover the top of the woodpile. When using a tarp be careful not to have the tarp hang over the sides so moisture is trapped. In warm summer months, you might want to remove the tarp to speed up the drying process.
Store the wood for at least six months: It is hard to wait, but the best way to know you are burning dry wood (short of a moisture meter) is to not burn it for at least six months.
Top 10 Cleaner Wood Burning Tips
November 14, 2011 - Winter is the perfect time for enjoying a fire in your Woodstove or Fireplace. These reminders will help make your burning more efficient, safe and neighborhood friendly.