
The recreational burning ban is based on weather conditions, fuel moisture content in vegetation and community fire safety needs
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. Tuesday, July 9, for the city of Vancouver.
The recreational burning ban is based on weather conditions, fuel moisture content in vegetation and community fire safety needs. It will remain in effect throughout the summer/fall 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.
Also read:
- Vancouver Police investigate fatality collisionVancouver Police are investigating a vehicle versus pedestrian collision on NE 162nd Avenue near NE Poplar Street that resulted in a fatality.
- Washington governor talks potential return of SuperSonics with NBA commissionerGov. Bob Ferguson spoke with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about the possibility of bringing the Seattle SuperSonics back as the league weighs future expansion decisions.
- Opinion: The income tax proposal has arrivedRyan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that a proposed Washington income tax creates a new revenue stream rather than delivering tax reform or relief.
- Is it time to lower the legal limit for blood alcohol content to 0.05 in the state of Washington?Mothers Against Drunk Driving and families affected by impaired driving are urging Washington lawmakers to lower the legal BAC limit to 0.05, citing prevention data and personal testimony from Clark County residents.
- Expert in homebuilding has several tips on how to make housing affordableVeteran homebuilder Tracy Doriot shares his perspective on why regulations, taxes, labor shortages, and permitting delays are driving housing costs higher in Clark County and across Washington.
- Opinion: ‘If they want light rail, they should be the ones who pay for it’Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance argues that supporters of light rail tied to the I-5 Bridge replacement should bear the local cost of operating and maintaining the system through a narrowly drawn sub-district.
- POLL: If a sub-district is created, what area should it include?Clark County residents are asked where a potential C-TRAN sub-district should be drawn if voters are asked to fund light rail operations and maintenance costs.








