Land clearing, residential and silvicultural burning is allowed with the proper permits.
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.
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 4′x4′x3′ are still allowed in all of Skamania 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. For recreational fires in excess of 4′x4′x3′ a small fire permit is required. These permits can be picked up at your local fire station or town hall and are free. If your area does not provide these permits contact the Skamania Public Works Department at 509-427-3910.
Debris Burning
All debris burning (natural vegetation only) under 10′x10′x5′ requires a small fire permit. Piles of natural vegetation larger than 4′x4′x3′ but smaller than 10′x10′x5′ are only allowed October 16 through June 30. Piles of natural vegetation under 4′x4′x3′ are allowed year round except during a fire danger burn ban.
These permits are currently available at your local fire station or town hall and are generally free. If your area does not provide these permits contact the Skamania Public Works Department at 509-427-3910.
Land Clearing Burning
For piles larger than 10′x10′x5′ and land clearing operations, call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 1-800-633-0709 for a land clearing burning permit application. The burn permit application can be downloaded in Word format or PDF, printed out and then mailed, faxed or hand-delivered to SWCAA. A site visit is no longer required so a permit can be issued same day with a visit to SWCAA’s office in Vancouver. The permit fee of $100 must be paid to SWCAA prior to issuance of the permit.
- Land Clearing Burn Permit Application (Word format)
- Land Clearing Burn Permit Application (PDF)
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 Not Allowed
WAC 173-425 prohibits outdoor burning in cities with a population of greater than 10,000 and their urban growth areas. Prohibitions also apply to adjacent areas with a population density of one thousand or more persons per square mile and areas with a reasonable alternative to burning.
Currently there are no areas in Skamania County that meet any of these criteria.
We make every effort to ensure that all burn ban announcements and restrictions are posted. Always call or visit your county and local clean air agency and check the DNR fire danger for the most current information. Click here for a list of air authorities.