Recreational fire restriction lifted

Restrictions had been in effect all summer

Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Fire Chief, 509.625.7002

Friday, October 23, 2015 at 9 a.m.

The burn restrictions that were implemented on June 17th, 2015, are being lifted effective today, October 23rd, 2015. Outdoor recreational fires, including campfires, are allowed in the City of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Millwood and throughout all unincorporated areas of Spokane County. Citizens may also use backyard barbecues, chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces or other patio/deck warmers, as long as approved fuel is used and other requirements are satisfied.

Approved fuel includes seasoned (clean and dry) firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas. Outdoor burning for construction debris or yard waste disposal is illegal in the City of Spokane at all times. Bonfires or luau type pig roasts require a permit and fee from the Spokane Fire Department and the Spokane Regional Clean Air Authority.

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

  • Fires must be in designated areas or on private property with owner approval.
  • Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times.
  • Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.
  • Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.
  • Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist.
  • A minimum 25’ clearance to combustibles is required for campfires and fire pits.
  • For one and two-family dwellings, follow the portable device manufacturer’s instructions for clearance. Be safe and use good judgment.
  • For multi-family dwellings, provide a minimum of 15-foot clearance from appliances to combustibles and structures. Be safe and use good judgment.
  • Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.
  • Safe wind conditions (no more than 7-10 mph [DNR Guideline]) must be present.
  • Burning may be temporarily restricted by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) due to increasing fine particle (smoke) levels and air stagnation. Check current status at https://www.spokanecleanair.org/current-burning-conditions.
  • Ash and charcoal remnants must be safely disposed of in noncombustible waste containers.

Fires not meeting the above listed requirements that are unsafe or otherwise restricted will be required to be extinguished. Failure to comply with the recreational fire regulations are subject to a class 1 civil infraction, which carries a $513 fine in addition to other serious consequences. A person who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue unauthorized burning when ordered to do so is subject to a misdemeanor charge. That person can face an additional fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.