Outdoor burning ban starts Friday

Wahkiakum County Fire Marshal Chuck Beyer has ordered a ban on outdoor burning effective 8 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) morning.

The ban encompasses all burning from land clearing, residential and sylvicultural activities. It doesn't apply to federally managed lands within the county.

Recreational campfires are allowed in built in fire pits in designated campgrounds such as County Line or Skamokawa Vista Parks.

On private land, campfires are permitted with landowner permission if built in a fire pit lined with stone, metal or masonry, not exceeding three feet in diameter.

The fire pits must have a cleared area at least 10 feet around them, and they must be at least 20 feet 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; required tools include a shovel and at least five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

Fires must be extinguished with water or most soil, stirred, and cool to the touch.