The Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management rescinded the Burn Ban for all three zones in Klickitat County, effective 12:01AM on October 23, 2024.
“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.” - According to the Washington State Clean Air Act (RCW 70.94 and WAC 173-425, Outdoor Burning)
The Washington Department of Ecology regulates all types of outdoor burning (residential, agricultural, special and land clearing) except silvicultural burning (forest land which is regulated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources).
It is only legal to burn natural vegetation (i.e. plants, trees, firewood). 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)
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 at a time and the pile must be less than 10 ft x 10 ft x 3 ft in size
Contact your local fire department or the non-emergency number for Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office
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 construction and demolition debris
Learn more about the burn ban.