In Effect July 15 – September 30, 2010

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced there will be a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands July 15, 2010, through September 30, 2010. This means all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands.

“The threat of wildfires from escaped outdoor burning is high during the summer months due to unusual fire danger,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Wildfires are dangerous for people and property and result in large expenditures of public funding that can be avoided through prudent actions to prevent them.”

The ban applies to all outdoor burning, including currently permitted burns, with the following exceptions:

1. Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds, or
2. DNR-approved prescribed fire, implemented to enhance or restore fire-dependent ecosystems and forest health, when enhancement and restoration by prescribed fire can only be accomplished successfully during the period of time from July 15th, 2010, through September 30th, 2010, or
3. As approved in writing by DNR when there are compelling reasons for an exception.

The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques will continue to be allowed under the ban.

This burn ban takes precedence over and supersedes all other burn bans currently in effect on forestlands except federal lands.

Media Contact: Janet Pearce, Communications and Outreach, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov

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We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to those who cooperated with this curtailment.  SWCAA is sensitive to the hardship this Stage 2 Burn Ban may have placed on people in these times of increased economic burden.   Thank you – we cannot do this without your help.

“We have already exceeded the federal health-based standard for fine particulate matter pollution and are hoping this Stage 2 Burn Ban will keep our air quality from getting even worse,” said Randy Peltier, operations manager for the agency. “We are not asking anyone to go without heat, but to use an alternative source of heat if possible until weather patterns change and our air quality returns to healthy levels.”

“There is a clear pattern of particulate pollutants rising quickly as people get home from work and start up their wood stoves. If stoves are dampered down to ‘hold’ the fire overnight, the problem is compounded,” said Jackie Brown, air quality specialist at SWCAA. “This occurs at the same time overnight inversions are occurring. The cumulative effect of each individual’s wood stove use during these cold stagnant periods causes pollution levels to rise to unhealthy levels, even impacting those who do not already have respiratory problems.”

Fine particulate matter pollution in smoke released from wood stoves, fireplaces and other wood burning are of concern because they can reach deep into the lungs. Episodes of high fine particle pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with heart and lung problems, children, and adults over 65.

This countywide Stage 2 Burn Ban will remain in effect until our monitors show demonstrated improvement in our air quality and weather forecasts indicate improved ventilation. To sign up to receive e-mail notifications of these burn bans or for clean burning techniques, visit www.swcleanair.org.

Tips for Cleaner Burning:

The most complete and effective way to reduce wood smoke pollution is to use another form of heat. If you must use wood, or choose to do so when local rules permit, the following recommendations can help diminish the emissions from your wood stove, fireplace or fireplace insert:

• Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Be sure your firewood has been split and dried for at least one year.
• Never burn wet, painted, stained or treated wood, color newsprint, plastic, garbage, diapers or magazines. Items such as these produce high amounts of odor, smoke and toxic fumes. Burning these materials is illegal and also an excellent way to start a chimney fire.
• Store your firewood under cover. A shed or shelter is best. If you use a plastic tarp, allow ventilation to prevent condensation.
• Burn small, hot fires. This helps the wood burn completely and cleanly.
• Never allow the fire to smolder. Smoldering fires are the worst polluters because they burn at a temperature too low for efficient combustion. The result is more smoke—unburned wood going up the chimney, wasted.
• Do not damper too much. Allow enough air for the wood to burn fully, without smoldering. Never try to keep the fire going overnight by cutting back the air supply. This wastes wood, produces much smoke and creosote and produces little heat.
• Step outside and look at the plume from your chimney. You should see only heat waves. If you can see smoke, your wood is not burning completely. Increase the air supply to your fire.
• Size your wood stove properly. A stove that is too large for the space to be heated will have to be damped down, causing much smoke and wasting wood.
• Do not burn in moderate temperatures. Your stove will tend to overheat your house. You will want to close the dampers to cut back on the heat, which cuts oxygen to the fire, wastes wood and increases pollution.
• Don’t install a wood stove until you have considered other ways to cut heating costs. Insulating and weather stripping can cost less than a stove and will reduce your heating requirements, whether your heat sources is wood, oil, gas or electricity.
• Don’t install an uncertified stove—installation of uncertified stoves is illegal. These stoves are more polluting.

During cold weather with little or no wind, wood smoke pollution can accumulate to levels that are considered unhealthy. Fine particles released by smoke from woodstoves, fireplaces and other burning are of concern because they can reach deep into the lungs. Episodes of high fine particle pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing and make lung and heart problems worse.

If air quality continues to deteriorate, SWCAA may have to issue a Stage 2 Burn Ban which would prohibit all wood burning, including fireplaces, certified woodstoves, inserts and pellet stoves. This would exclude homes where wood burning is the sole source of heat.

“We are not asking anyone to go without heat, but to use an alternative source of heat if possible until our air quality improves,” said Randy Peltier, operations manager for the agency.

These curtailments occur in two progressive stages as needed:

Stage 1: The use of all fireplaces and uncertified woodstoves and inserts is banned when pollution is forecasted to reach unhealthy levels. Uncertified units are typically older than 1990 and lack a certification label on the back of the unit. Certified woodstoves and inserts are allowed during a Stage 1 Burn Ban.

Stage 2: All wood heating is prohibited, including certified units, when the Stage 1 curtailment has not reversed the increasing pollution trend and weather conditions still indicate a high risk for exceeding air quality health standards.

These curtailments will not apply to homes with no other source of adequate heat. All outdoor burning is also banned during these burn bans.

To sign up to receive e-mail notifications of these woodstove curtailment burn bans or to learn more about cleaner burning techniques, visit www.swcleanair.org.

Tips for Cleaner Burning:

The most complete and effective way to reduce wood smoke pollution is to use another form of heat. If you must use wood, or choose to do so when local rules permit, the following recommendations can help diminish the emissions from your woodstove, fireplace or fireplace insert:

• Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Be sure your firewood has been split and dried for at least one year.
• Never burn wet, painted, stained or treated wood, color newsprint, plastic, garbage, diapers or magazines. Items such as these produce high amounts of odor, smoke and toxic fumes. Burning these materials is illegal and also an excellent way to start a chimney fire.
• Store your firewood under cover. A shed or shelter is best. If you use a plastic tarp, allow ventilation to prevent condensation.
• Burn small, hot fires. This helps the wood burn completely and cleanly.
• Never allow the fire to smolder. Smoldering fires are the worst polluters because they burn at a temperature too low for efficient combustion. The result is more smoke—unburned wood going up the chimney, wasted.
• Do not damper too much. Allow enough air for the wood to burn fully, without smoldering. Never try to keep the fire going overnight by cutting back the air supply. This wastes wood, produces much smoke and creosote and produces little heat.
• Step outside and look at the plume from your chimney. You should see only heat waves. If you can see smoke, your wood is not burning completely. Increase the air supply to your fire.
• Size your woodstove properly. A stove that is too large for the space to be heated will have to be damped down, causing much smoke and wasting wood.
• Do not burn in moderate temperatures. Your stove will tend to overheat your house. You will want to close the dampers to cut back on the heat, which cuts oxygen to the fire, wastes wood and increases pollution.
• Don’t install a woodstove until you have considered other ways to cut heating costs. Insulating and weather stripping can cost less than a stove and will reduce your heating requirements, whether your heat sources is wood, oil, gas or electricity.
• Don’t install an uncertified stove—installation of uncertified stoves is illegal. These stoves are more polluting.

If you are going to heat with wood, please burn it as cleanly as possible to minimize the impact on your neighbors. For more information about cleaner wood burning techniques, please visit www.swcleanair.org/burnclean.html. To sign up to receive e-mail notifications of future burn bans, visit www.swcleanair.org/email.html.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) is issuing a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 1, 2009 for all of Clark County due to rising levels of fine particulate pollution, a consequence of an inversion that is trapping air pollution at ground level. This means that the use of all fireplaces, uncertified woodstoves and inserts is prohibited until air quality improves and the Stage 1 Burn Ban is lifted.  If wood burning is your only source of heat, you are exempt and we ask that you burn as cleanly as possible. All outdoor burning is also prohibited during this Stage 1 Burn Ban.

Due to Clark County’s unique geography and the proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, some localized areas may experience windy conditions while others remain stagnant and inundated with smoke. This Stage 1 Burn Ban will remain in effect until our monitors show demonstrated improvement in our air quality and weather forecasts indicate improved ventilation.

For more information, visit www.swcleanair.org.

Burn Barrel Use Prohibited
The use of a burn barrel was banned in the State of Washington effective April 13, 2000. Burning garbage has been illegal in the State of Washington since 1967.

Recreational Fires
Recreational fires under 3′x3′x2′ are still allowed in all of Clark County without a permit. Only charcoal or seasoned firewood (not lumber) may be used as fuel for a recreational fire. Recreational fires must be used solely for recreational purposes and may not be used for disposal of yard debris or any other material. Recreational fires may not cause a smoke or odor nuisance to surrounding properties. Recreational fires in excess of 3′x3′x2′ need a special written permit from SWCAA.

Residential Burning (Outside the no-burn boundaries)
Residential burning is allowed in piles smaller than 10′x10′x6′ outside the southern Clark County, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt and Battle Ground no-burn areas with a written permit. If you would like help determining if you are within a no burn area, please give us a call at (360) 574-3058. These permits can usually be picked up at a local fire department and are generally free. If your area does not provide these permits you can call the Clark County Fire Marshal at (360) 397-2186 for permit locations. You can also download and print the Clark County Residential Burn Permit here.

Land Clearing Burning (Outside the no-burn boundaries)
For piles larger than 10′x10′x6′ and land clearing operations a written permit and site inspection is required. You need to fill out a land clearing permit application, prior to scheduling the site inspection, with the Clark County Fire Marshal. Depending on the time of year it can take up to a week to schedule the site inspection so please fill out your permit application in advance. Call (360) 397-2186 for the nearest office location. There is a permit fee.

Fire Safety Burn Bans
An annual Fire Safety Burn Ban from July 15 through September 30 prohibits residential and land clearing burning throughout Clark County to protect public safety. This Fire Safety Burn Ban may extend beyond these dates by fire marshal recommendation. Outdoor burning is prohibited within the permanent No Burn Areas year-round, regardless of the Fire Safety Burn Ban. The pre-designated Fire Safety Burn Ban and aggressive complaint and enforcement program are designed to promote clean air, good health and reduced fire danger for everyone.

Agricultural Burning
To qualify for agricultural burning inside the no-burn boundaries you must have filed a Schedule F with your federal income tax. Orchard prunings alone do not qualify for an agricultural burn and other restrictions apply (WAC 173-430). Call SWCAA for detailed information, forms and possible fees. For more information about this program, click here.

Silvicultural Burning
For all silvicultural/forest practice burning call the Pacific Cascades Region of the Department of Natural Resources at (360) 577-2025. There is a permit fee.

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WAC 173-425 bans the use of a burn barrel and prohibits the burning of all material, except natural vegetation grown on the property and firewood (defined as bare, untreated wood, not dimensional lumber). This regulation also prohibits burning during periods of impaired air quality and prohibits outdoor burning from becoming a nuisance to surrounding neighbors and businesses. Fire safety burn-bans may also be called by county or local fire protection authorities.

Quick Links:

• Map of the Southern Clark County No Burn Area (PDF – 1.2 Mb)
• Map of the 2008 Battle Ground No Burn Area (PDF – 3 Mb)
• Map of the Yacolt No Burn Area (PDF)
• Map of the 2008 Ridgefield No Burn Area (PDF – 2 Mb)
• Map of the 2008 La Center No Burn Area (PDF- 2 Mb)
• Clark County Residential Burn Permit (PDF) - only valid outside No Burn Areas

Burn Barrel Use Prohibited
The use of a burn barrel was banned in the State of Washington effective April 13, 2000.Burning garbage has been illegal in the State of Washington since 1967.

Recreational Fires
Recreational fires under 3′x3′x2′ are still allowed in all of Clark County without a permit. Only charcoal or seasoned firewood (not lumber) may be used as fuel for a recreational fire. Recreational fires must be used solely for recreational purposes and may not be used for disposal of yard debris or any other material. Recreational fires may not cause a smoke or odor nuisance to surrounding properties. Recreational fires in excess of 3′x3′x2′ need a special written permit from SWCAA.

Residential Burning (Outside the no-burn boundaries)
Residential burning is allowed in piles smaller than 10′x10′x6′ outside the southern Clark County,Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt and Battle Ground no-burn areas with a written permit. If you would like help determining if you are within a no burn area, please give us a call at (360) 574-3058. These permits can usually be picked up at a local fire department and are generally free. If your area does not provide these permits you can call the Clark County Fire Marshal at (360) 397-2186 for permit locations. You can also download and print the Clark County Residential Burn Permithere.

Land Clearing Burning (Outside the no-burn boundaries)
For piles larger than 10′x10′x6′ and land clearing operations a written permit and site inspection is required. You need to fill out a land clearing permit application, prior to scheduling the site inspection, with the Clark County Fire Marshal. Depending on the time of year it can take up to a week to schedule the site inspection so please fill out your permit application in advance. Call (360) 397-2186 for the nearest office location. There is a permit fee.

Fire Safety Burn Bans
An annual Fire Safety Burn Ban from July 15 through September 30 prohibits residential and land clearing burning throughout Clark County to protect public safety. This Fire Safety Burn Ban may extend beyond these dates by fire marshal recommendation. Outdoor burning is prohibited within the permanent No Burn Areas year-round, regardless of the Fire Safety Burn Ban. The pre-designated Fire Safety Burn Ban and aggressive complaint and enforcement program are designed to promote clean air, good health and reduced fire danger for everyone.

Agricultural Burning
To qualify for agricultural burning inside the no-burn boundaries you must have filed a Schedule F with your federal income tax. Orchard prunings alone do not qualify for an agricultural burn and other restrictions apply (WAC 173-430). Call SWCAA for detailed information, forms and possible fees. For more information about this program, click here.

Silvicultural Burning
For all silvicultural/forest practice burning call the Pacific Cascades Region of the Department of Natural Resources at (360) 577-2025. There is a permit fee.

Areas Where Burning is Permanently Banned

1990: South Clark County non-attainment area.

2001: Battle Ground Urban Growth Area and portions of the Vancouver-Camas-Washougal Urban Growth Areas that extend beyond the non-attainment area.

January 1, 2007: Urban Growth Areas of Ridgefield, La Center and Yacolt.

Under the provisions of the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act, the southern portion of Clark County exceeded federal standards for carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3). This required a ban on outdoor burning within the designated non-attainment area and restrictions on auto emissions and industrial pollutants. The area has since achieved attainment status and was designated a CO/O3 maintenance area. However, the restrictions remain in place to assure continuing attainment and compliance with the FCAA.

With the revision of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-425 in 2000, Washington’s outdoor burning rules were amended as follows: On January 1, 2001 outdoor burning was prohibited in the Urban Growth Areas of cities with a population of greater than 5,000. Prohibitions also applied in adjacent areas with a population density of one thousand or more persons per square mile and areas with a reasonable alternative to burning. As of January 1, 2007 urban growth areas for incorporated cities with populations less than 5,000 also become no burn areas. These rules affect Clark County as follows:

The southern Clark County no-burn area was expanded to include portions of the Vancouver, Camas and Washougal urban growth areas that extend beyond the original non-attainment area. The Battle Ground no burn area was created within the boundaries of its urban growth area. On January 1, 2007 the urban growth areas of Ridgefield, Yacolt and La Center became no burn areas. At that time, residential and land clearing burning was prohibited. To see a map of the Battle Ground No Burn Area, click here.

Burning has been permanently banned in both of these areas, with the exception of recreational fires under 3′x3′x2′. Future restrictions may follow based on urban growth boundaries, population density and access to alternatives. Call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058 for more information.

Into the future, as Urban Growth Areas change, so will the no burn areas.

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WAC 173-425 bans the use of a burn barrel and prohibits the burning of all material, except natural vegetation grown on the property and firewood (defined as bare, untreated wood, not dimensional lumber). This regulation also prohibits burning during periods of impaired air quality and prohibits outdoor burning from becoming a nuisance to surrounding neighbors and businesses. Fire safety burn-bans may also be called by county or local fire protection authorities.

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