Burn ban ongoing in Pend Oreille Co.

A burn ban is in effect in Pend Oreille County, just across the border in Washington state.

Pend Oreille County officials said fire danger in southern part of the county is listed as “very high” and in the northern part of the county as “high.” All debris burning remains prohibited in Pend Oreille County. This includes rule (debris) burning and permit burning.

The burn barn went into effect on Aug. 12.

That means all campfires and recreational fires are prohibited in the southern part of the county. The area includes that south of milepost 399 on Highway 20 (Alaska Lane North) and south of milepost 10.5 Leclerc Road N (Riverbend Loop Road) to the county line.

Campfires and recreational fires are permitted in the northern part of the county. That area includes that north of milepost 399 on Highway 20 (Alaska Lane North) and north of milepost 10.5 Leclerc Road N (Riverbend Loop Road) to the county line.

However, the fire must be attended at all times and be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet and no taller than 2 feet. A charged hose or five gallons of water must also be on hand and residents must have 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.

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