People can now burn natural vegetation and brush piles in Okanogan County, but they are reminded to burn responsibly.
“Do not be the one trying to explain how your controlled burn turned into an uncontrolled burn, and be a good neighbor and don’t let it smolder,” Okanogan County Emergency Management admonished in its announcement of the lifting of restrictions as of Oct. 28.
The Okanogan County commissioners lifted the remaining burning restrictions last week after consulting with the county’s fire advisory committee. Two weeks ago, the commissioners allowed recreational fires and campfires, but they kept the ban on burning vegetation because of the warm, dry weather in early October.
People burning vegetation must attend the burn pile at all times and be prepared with water and a shovel. The fire cannot be more than 4 feet across and must be under 3 feet high. Fires should be at least 50 feet from a structure.
Only natural vegetation is allowed to be burned. It is illegal to burn garbage, paper, construction debris and lumber, rubber and plastic, and anything that emits toxins or bad odors when burned, according to the state Department of Ecology. Burn barrels are illegal everywhere in Washington.
Campfires are now permitted in campgrounds, dispersed recreation sites, and in the Pasayten and Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has lifted the burn bans in the fire danger rating areas in the Methow and Okanogan. DNR rates fire danger as “moderate” in those areas.
The town of Twisp follows the county’s restrictions, so burning of vegetation and yard waste within town limits is now allowed. Winthrop’s ban on outdoor burning expired Oct. 14.
Before burning, people are strongly encouraged to call Okanogan County Sheriff Dispatch at (509) 422-7232 and select option 4.
People should also check with Ecology at (509) 575-2490 to see if there is a burn ban because of air quality concerns.
