Burn ban implemented in Wahkiakum County

Effective 12:01 a.m, tomorrow, (August 1), the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with officials from Wahkiakum County, is enacting a ban on all outdoor burning.

All land clearing, residential and silvicultural burning will be banned until further notice. Silvicultural burning is usually associated with timber operations or other forest practices on unimproved or forested land. This ban will coincide with a Wahkiakum County burn ban that will go into effect on improved properties in Wahkiakum County. This burn ban does not apply to federally managed land within Wahkiakum County.

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, campfires are permitted with the landowner’s permission if built in an approved manner:

• In a metal, stone or masonry lined fire pit such as those seen in approved campgrounds.

• They may not exceed three feet in diameter,

• They must have an area at least ten feet around them cleared of all flammable material and at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels.

• Campfires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old with the ability and tools to extinguish the fire; a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

Campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil in them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch. The use of self-contained camp stoves is encouraged as an alternative. In Cowlitz County only charcoal and gas barbecues are permitted.

For more information on local fire restrictions call Department of Natural Resources: Pacific Cascade Regional Office (360) 577-2025 or Wahkiakum County Building and Planning: (360) 795-3067.

For daily updates on burn restrictions, call 1-800-323-BURN or visit DNR’s website at: www2.wadnr.gov/burn-risk then click on fire information in the far right corner.