Similar ban issued in Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal

VANCOUVER – Due to the extreme fire danger, recreational fires will be prohibited throughout unincorporated Clark County effective 12:01 a.m., Friday (Sept. 9). 

This recreational fire restriction is in addition to the general outdoor burning prohibition that was implemented on July 15. 

According to Fire Marshal Dan Young this is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires as a result of escaped campfires. 

This ban joins with the ban imposed by the Cities of Camas and Washougal.

“The ongoing hot, dry weather has us concerned with how easy it is for a fire to be ignited by an escaped ember from a recreational fire,” said Young. “A small campfire can accidentally spread to adjacent properties very easily with our current dry conditions.” 

With no precipitation in the forecast and the expectation of temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s to continue, the ban will be in place until sufficient rainfall occurs to lower the risk. 

Creating a defensible space around a home helps prevent wildfires from spreading to a residence, or vice versa. Young recommends the following measures in both rural and urban areas:

• Remove fuel
  • Within 3-5 feet of foundations, outbuildings, garages and sheds
  • Within 10 feet of a house
  • Under decks and porches
  • From gutters, eaves, porches and decks
• Cut the lawn if it is brown. Dispose of debris and cuttings.
• Prune trees so lowest branches are 6-10 feet above the ground.
• Landscape with native and flame-resistant plants.

Self-contained camp stoves, which are not banned, are a safe and easy alternative for outdoor cooking. 

Burn ban within the city of Battle Ground effective immediately

Due to high temperatures and windy conditions, the Battle Ground fire marshal has issued a total burning ban on recreational fires within the City Battle Ground, effective immediately.

All outdoor burning, including recreational fires, are prohibited within the city limits beginning immediately. The need for the ban is based on weather conditions and community fire safety needs. 

Recreational fires, campfires and fires in outdoor fireplaces or chimney-type devices are not allowed during this recreational burning ban. Cooking outdoors in an approved propane or charcoal barbecue is allowed.

The recreational burning ban will remain in effect until further notice.  Updated information will be posted to the city’s website at www.cityofbg.org and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofbgwa.

Camas and Washougal ban recreational fires

Due to increased temperatures, decreased humidity, predicted dry wind and the fire danger inherent to these conditions, the Camas-Washougal Fire Department Interim Fire Chief Cliff Free and Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher have issued an immediate ban on outdoor recreational fires in the cities of Camas and Washougal. 

All outdoor fires using wood fuel are prohibited.  Barbecues or grills using charcoal or gas and gas fire pits are still allowed at this time.  

This ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications, city of Battle Ground and city of Washougal.