As we head into October, the summer-long Fire Safety Burn Bans in some ORCAA counties have been lifted.
In Thurston and Jefferson Counties, the fire safety burn bans are written into rule, and expire on Sept. 30 each year unless fire conditions warrant an extension of the ban. This year, no extension was needed, so the bans in those counties ended Sept. 30. In Thurston County, residents will need to get a free burn permit – and then abide by ALL ITS TERMS – prior to any burning. See here: Residential Yard-Waste Burn Permits – ORCAA
In Clallam and Pacific Counties, the county fire marshals deemed the fire danger to be low enough to remove their county bans on residential burning over the previous weekend. Burning is therefore allowed in those counties, but residents should check with their local fire district for local rules and restrictions.
Grays Harbor and Mason Counties use the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire danger levels to trigger their burn bans, and DNR continues to list all six counties as MODERATE fire danger. Therefore, no residential burning is allowed in Grays Harbor or Mason Counties. Likewise, ORCAA’s Land Clearing Burn Permit program relies on the DNR safety levels – at moderate, no land clearing burning is allowed. Burn Restrictions | WA – DNR
As always, residential yard waste burning is banned in Washington cities and urban growth areas (UGAs) according to state law.
Recreational fires (no more than 3-feet diameter, burning only clean, dry firewood or charcoal) are allowed throughout ORCAA’s jurisdiction. Fire safety rules and laws must be adhered to.
REMEMBER: Burn Barrels are illegal everywhere in Washington!
