County bans outdoor burning

Wahkiakum County Officials on July 8 implemented an emergency burn ban effective yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Officials cited a lack of precipitation and dry conditions that have prompted a coordinated burn ban for SW Washington. The ban will remain in effect on all outdoor burning until weather conditions improve. All land clearing, residential and silvicultural burning is banned until further notice, according to a statement from the Wahkiakum County Public Works Department.

This burn ban does not apply to federally managed land within Wahkiakum County.

The statement said that recreational campfires are allowed if built in approved 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.

To completely extinguish campfires, pour water or moist soil in them and stir with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch. The use of self-contained camp stoves is encouraged as an alternative.

For more information on local fire restrictions:

Department of Natural Resources: Pacific Cascade Regional Office (360) 577-2025, or

Wahkiakum County Building & Planning: (360) 795-3067.