Okanogan County has lifted its burn ban, meaning that people can now burn brush and yard waste. Recreational fires such as campfires and barbecues are also permitted. All fires must be attended to at all times.
Recreational fires must be contained in a concrete, rock or steel ring. Flames cannot exceed 2 feet and must not be within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.
Okanogan County issued its burn restrictions early this year, on June 6, banning all outdoor burning of brush or vegetation. The burn restrictions typically end on Oct. 15, but can be extended if conditions warrant.
Although the county has lifted the burn ban, there are still risks. The county’s official notice strongly encourages calling the Okanogan County Sheriff Dispatch at 509-422-7232 (option 4) before burning.
“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,” the county reminded people.
The town of Twisp follows the county’s restrictions, so burning of vegetation and yard waste is now allowed. People can have a recreational fire in a fire ring that meets the county requirements. The town of Winthrop doesn’t allow any outdoor burning without a permit from May 1 through Oct. 14.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest rescinded all campfire restrictions as of Sept. 18. Still, the forest reminds people to make sure fires are dead and cold to the touch when they leave a campsite. Campfires are always prohibited in the Pasayten Wilderness above 5,000 feet.
State, federal forests
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has lowered fire-danger ratings. Wildfire danger is now considered “moderate” for the entire state east of the Cascades, and “low” west of the Cascades.
In the Methow Fire Danger Rating Area, DNR lifted the burn ban as of Friday (Oct. 15). Further east in the Valley Fire Danger Rating Area (starting at the Loup Loup summit), campfires are allowed, but in designated campgrounds only. In the Highlands Fire Danger Rating Area, which covers most of eastern Okanogan County, DNR has lifted its burn ban.
At Pearrygin Lake and Alta Lake state parks, wood fires are restricted to fire pits in designated areas. Gas and propane stoves and fires are allowed, but charcoal may be restricted. Camping at Pearrygin ends for the season on Oct. 30 and Alta Lake is closed for the season from November through March.
The Methow Valley Ranger District and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been conducting prescribed burns in and around the Methow Valley.
Fireworks are illegal in Okanogan County and are always prohibited on National Forest lands.
The state Department of Ecology sometimes issues burn bans to protect air quality. Check https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/air-quality/smoke-fire/burn-bans.
More details about the rules for burning in Okanogan County are at www.okanogancounty.gov/406/Burn-Ban-Information.
