A countywide burn ban will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, shutting down all land-clearing and residential burning across Clark County and voiding any permits issued before the ban. Federally managed lands are exempt, but the order tightens rules around backyard pits, campgrounds and portable outdoor fireplaces through the summer. Fire Marshal Donna Goddard has said the ban's dates can shift earlier or later if conditions change.
As reported by KATU, the restriction is scheduled to run through Sept. 30 and rescinds existing burning permits. KATU quotes Goddard saying, "Fortunately, this year we have experienced cooler and wetter weather leading into July, so the ban was not implemented sooner." Officials warn the timeline could change if fuel conditions or the forecast worsen.
What the Ban Covers
According to Clark County, the ban applies to all land-clearing and residential burning in unincorporated parts of the county and does not apply to federally managed lands. Recreational campfires remain allowed on forest lands only in improved fire pits inside designated campgrounds. The county's online guidance also notes that permits canceled by the ban can be reissued or extended once conditions allow.
Rules for Backyard and Recreational Fires
On private property, recreational fires must be in metal, stone or masonry lined pits no larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high and must sit at least 25 feet from any structure, with 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels. "Recreational fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire," the county says. Required tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected, charged hose. Portable outdoor fireplaces that burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure, and all fires must be completely extinguished by covering with water or moist soil and stirring until cool to the touch.
Permits, Enforcement and Checking Burn Status
The fire marshal has rescinded permits issued prior to the ban. People with questions can reach the Fire Marshal's Office at 564-397-2186, as local outlets note. Local reporting on the announcement is available from the Camas-Washougal Post-Record. For maps and daily air-quality burn restrictions that may affect whether you can burn, check the Washington Department of Ecology's guidance on burn bans at ecology.wa.gov.
If you are grilling or camping, the county suggests using self-contained camp stoves instead of wood fires and keeping extinguishing tools close at hand. Officials urge residents to follow the rules and use extra caution as summer weather evolves.
