Pend Oreille County prohibits burning

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources announced that all outdoor rule burns (debris burns) and burning with a DNR permit are prohibited. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds only.

As a result, Pend Oreille County commissioners adopted identical county burning controls on all land under county jurisdiction with the following exception. Recreational fires on improved property will be allowed when the Washington State Department of Natural Resources allows campfires in designated campgrounds in Pend Oreille County if and only if the recreational fire meets all of the follow ing conditions:

The fire must be:

1. Attended at all times

2. Is no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet and no taller than 2 feet

3. A charged hose or five gallons of water is present along with a shovel and

4. There is a fire break/non-combustible surface of at least three feet around the fire.

In the event that a fire escapes, the property owner is responsible for any and all fire suppression costs.

Effective July 6, the following burning controls were implemented in Pend Oreille County:

1. All outdoor burning is banned.

2. Recreational fires in approved fire pits are allowed provided that all of the above conditions are met.

3. The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbecues are allowed.

Daily updates on burn restrictions are available at 1-800-323-BURN.