Recreational fires must be in a metal-, stone- or masonry-lined fire pit such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores

VANCOUVER – Interim Fire Marshal Donna Goddard is lifting the county wide burn ban on outdoor, recreational fires in unincorporated Clark County effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17.  

“With the recent low temperatures, increased humidity and precipitation, and similar conditions predicted for the extended forecast, I am lifting only the recreational fire burn ban,” said Goddard. “The burn ban for other outdoor burning will remain in effect through Sept. 30.”  

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County, along with other neighboring counties have a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. The annual burn ban allows residents to plan to burn during safer times of the year.  

Recreational campfires in local county parks and commercial campgrounds are allowed only in approved fire pits. On private land, recreational fires are permitted as follows: 

• Recreational fires must be in a metal-, stone- or masonry-lined fire pit such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores.
• Size may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers or carports.
• Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Completely extinguish recreational fires by covering them with water or moist soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• Self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.