Burn Barrel Use
Prohibited The use of a burn barrel was banned
in the State of Washington effective April 13, 2000. Burning garbage
has been illegal in the State of Washington since 1967.
Recreational Fires Recreational fires under 3'x3'x2' are still allowed
in all of Clark County without a permit. Only charcoal or seasoned firewood
(not lumber) may be used as fuel for a recreational fire. Recreational
fires must be used solely for recreational purposes and may not be used
for disposal of yard debris or any other material. Recreational fires
may not cause a smoke or odor nuisance to surrounding properties. Recreational
fires in excess of 3'x3'x2' need a special written permit from SWCAA.
Residential Burning (Outside
the no-burn boundaries) Residential burning is allowed in piles smaller
than 10'x10'x6' outside the southern
Clark County, Ridgefield,
La Center, Yacolt
and Battle Ground no-burn areas
with a written permit. If you would like help determining if you are within
a no burn area, please give us a call at (360) 574-3058. These permits
can usually be picked up at a local fire department and are generally
free. If your area does not provide these permits you can call the Clark
County Fire Marshal at (360) 397-2186 for permit locations. You can also
download and print the Clark County Residential Burn Permit here.
Land Clearing Burning
(Outside the no-burn boundaries) For piles larger than 10'x10'x6' and land clearing
operations a written permit and site inspection is required. You need
to fill out a land clearing permit application, prior to scheduling the
site inspection, with the Clark County Fire Marshal. Depending on the
time of year it can take up to a week to schedule the site inspection
so please fill out your permit application in advance. Call (360) 397-2186
for the nearest office location. There is a permit fee.
Fire Safety Burn Bans An annual Fire Safety Burn Ban from July 15 through
September 30 prohibits residential and land clearing burning throughout
Clark County to protect public safety. This Fire Safety Burn Ban may extend
beyond these dates by fire marshal recommendation. Outdoor burning is
prohibited within the permanent No Burn Areas year-round, regardless of
the Fire Safety Burn Ban. The pre-designated Fire Safety Burn Ban and
aggressive complaint and enforcement program are designed to promote clean
air, good health and reduced fire danger for everyone.
Agricultural Burning To qualify for agricultural burning inside the
no-burn boundaries you must have filed a Schedule F with your federal
income tax. Orchard prunings alone do not qualify for an agricultural
burn and other restrictions apply (WAC 173-430). Call SWCAA for detailed
information, forms and possible fees. For more information about this
program, click here.
Silvicultural Burning For all silvicultural/forest practice burning call
the Pacific Cascades Region of the Department of Natural Resources at
(360) 577-2025. There is a permit fee.
