
Ban will likely remain in effect throughout the summer months or until weather and fire danger conditions greatly improve
VANCOUVER – Due to extremely dry conditions, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli is issuing a total ban on recreational burning effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday (June 15), for the city of Vancouver.
The burning ban is based on weather conditions, fuel moisture content in vegetation and community fire safety needs. It will likely remain in effect throughout the summer months or until weather and fire danger conditions greatly improve. Citations may be issued to those who violate the order. An update will be provided when the recreational burn ban is lifted. These types of fires are prohibited during the ban:
- Recreational fires and bonfires
- Campfires
- Fires in outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimney-type devices
Cooking outdoors in propane or charcoal barbecues approved for that type of use is still allowed during the burning ban. Cooking and heating fires in unmanaged situations, such as encampments of unsheltered community members, are illegal under city ordinance and will be extinguished.
“The risk for fire is high and state officials have said that this year’s wildfire season has the potential to be challenging as the fine fuels continue to cure,” said Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli. “It is vital that everyone be extra vigilant about fire safety during this time. In addition to not using any recreational fires, we also ask that smokers never put out their cigarettes in bark mulch or planters or toss lit cigarettes out car windows.”
While the recreational burn ban is in place, all fires will be illegal within the city limits. Community members are encouraged to call 9-1-1 and report any fire-related activity so it can be promptly extinguished by the fire department. Those who violate the recreational burn ban may be subject to a fire code citation and a $500 fine, which may include criminal penalties.
Learn more about fire and life safety prevention at www.vanfire.org.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Hundreds rally in Olympia against proposed tax increasesHundreds gathered in Olympia on Tax Day to protest a wide range of proposed tax hikes put forward by Democratic lawmakers in Washington state.
- Vancouver City Council urged to adopt seven changes to limit public campingClark County Matters is calling on Vancouver leaders to adopt seven ordinance changes that would limit public camping and address growing concerns about safety and livability.
- On ‘Tax Day,’ Senate Democrats propose billions more in tax increasesOn Tax Day, Washington Senate Democrats introduced new tax proposals totaling $12 billion, contrasting sharply with Senate Republicans’ no-new-taxes ‘$ave Washington’ budget proposal.
- Letter: ‘There will be consequences’Hazel Dell resident Bob Zak criticizes Democratic lawmakers for advancing ESSB 5181, arguing it undermines parental rights and defies biblical principles.
- Clark County Fire District 10 selects local firm to begin planning for replacement of the Amboy Fire StationClark County Fire District 10 has selected Aetta Architecture to begin planning a replacement for the Amboy Fire Station, first built in 1963 and no longer equipped to meet modern emergency response demands.
- Kitten finders, kitten keepers?Nomi Berger shares practical steps for what to do if you find a litter of kittens this spring, including how to assess their needs and connect with Furry Friends in Vancouver.
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center seeks new members for Patient & Family Advisory CouncilPeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is seeking new members for its Patient & Family Advisory Council to help improve patient care through direct community feedback.