02/17/2022
OUTDOOR BURNING
Here’s a brief explanation of each type of outdoor burning with the agency that regulates it (see definitions below):
- The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates debris burning and recreational fires on unimproved property. When not prohibited, this can be accomplished with a burn permit, or as a rule burn. Recreational fires on unimproved property must meet the same criteria as a rule burn. To check if debris burning is currently prohibited in your area, check the Fire Danger and Outdoor Burning map or call 1-800-323-BURN and follow the prompts. Check out DNR’s Outdoor Burning page to apply for a burn permit or find the guidelines for a rule burn.
- The Department of Ecology (ECY) regulates debris burning on improved property except in Spokane County. Call Department of Ecology at 509-329-3400 (in Okanogan County, call 509-575-2490), or check out their burn permit page. In Spokane County, call the Spokane Regional Clean Air Authority (SPRCAA) at 509-477-4727.
- The county regulates recreational fires on improved property - for example, a BBQ or a backyard fire pit used to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Call for specific regulations or to check if this type of burning is prohibited:
Stevens County Sheriff’s Dispatch: (509) 684-2555
Ferry County Sheriff's Office: (509) 775-3132
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office: (509) 725-3501
Okanogan County Sheriff's Office: (509) 422-7200
Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office: (509) 447-3151
Spokane County Regional Clean Air Agency: (509) 477-4727
DEFINITIONS:
- Debris Burning - burning of natural materials such as branches, logs, sticks, leaves, grass, brush, needles, pine cones, logging slash, etc.
- Recreational Burning - burning of clean, dry firewood in a fire pit or chimnea; burning of propane or charcoal briquettes in a BBQ; burning of propane in an outdoor warmer or fire pit.
- Unimproved Property - property that is NOT landscaped, planted, mowed, improved with structures, or considered the ‘yard and garden’ area around homes and buildings.
- Improved Property - property that IS landscaped, planted, mowed, improved with structures, or considered the ‘yard and garden’ area around homes and buildings.
