Pacific Countyimplemented a “Burn Ban” effective at Friday, July 15th until further notice. Pacific County joins the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) along with Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum Counties in implementing this burn ban. The burn ban applies to outdoor debris burning. Recreational campfires are allowed if built in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as those typically found in local, county, and state parks and in commercial campgrounds. On private land, recreational fires are permitted when built according to the following regulations:
- Recreational fires must be in metal, stone, or masonry-lined fire pits such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores.
- Size may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
- Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers, or carports.
- Fires must be attended to at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
- Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Completely extinguish recreational fires by covering them with water or moist soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
- Self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.
For further information please contact the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for updates on burn restrictions at 1-800-323-BURN or visit their website at www.dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions.
To contact the Pacific County Fire Agencies, please call 360-642-9382 for Long Beach or 360-875-9356 for South Bend.