Confirm the absence of an active burn ban and check with the Washington Department of Ecology for current regulations, bans and permit requirements: (509) 575-2490, request the Smoke Team Member on duty.
Department of Ecology Air Quality
"Outdoor burning means the combustion of material of any type in an open fire or in an outdoor container without providing for the control of combustion or the control of emission from the combustion."-- Washington State Clean Air Act (RCW 70.94 and WAC 173-425).
The Washington Department of Ecology regulates all types of outdoor burning (residential, agricultural, special and land clearing) except silvicultural (forest land) burning which is regulated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
It is only legal to burn natural vegetation (i.e. plants, trees). However, alternatives to burning should be considered first. For example, chipping and composting. Burning should be considered a last resort.
Before you conduct outdoor burning, be aware:
When and where burning is allowed (confirm the absence of a burn ban - DOE ban, Klickitat County, neighborhood associations, etc.)
Burn only unprocessed natural vegetation (i.e. plants, portions of trees, firewood)
Burn barrels are illegal and you could be fined!
Only one burn pile is allowed to burn at a time
The burn pile must be less than 10 ft. x 10 ft. x 3 ft. in size
Contact your local fire department and/or the Klickitat County non-emergency number
An ample water source ready and nearby is needed
Your smoke must not impact your neighbor and you must put out your fire if it does
The fire should not include materials hauled from another property
The fire must be attended
It is illegal to burn trash, construction and demolition debris
Learn more about reducing fire risk on your property as well as the Klickitat County burn ban and Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) burn bans.