According to Fire Marshal Dan Young this is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires in Clark County

VANCOUVER – The Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young has extended the open burning and recreational fire ban indefinitely. The ban will be in place until the county gets a significant rain event. The county will put out notice when the bans are ended. 

According to Fire Marshal Dan Young this is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires in Clark County. 

This action is in-line with the Department of Natural Resources and the other counties in Southwest Washington. 

“The burn ban has historically been removed on Oct. 1 since we typically have at least one significant rain event in mid to late September, but this year has been unseasonably dry,” said Young. “At this time, the weather forecast does not show any rainfall in the next two weeks. If conditions change and we get enough rain, we will lift the ban.”

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 are not included in the ban. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.