Burn Restrictions Lifted Effective October 20, 2020

Jamie McIntyre, Community Risk Reduction Manager, 509.435.7058

Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:39 a.m.

Spokane, WA - October 19, 2020

The outdoor recreational fire restrictions that were implemented on July 20 are being lifted. This will take effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, October 20. Due to the current and forecasted cooler and wetter conditions, restrictions for specified outdoor recreational fires (campfires, fire bowls, and fire pits) have been lifted for the Spokane County and Spokane Metro Area by order of the Spokane Metro Area Fire Marshals.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, please consider not conducting any wood burning. Breathing smoke affects the respiratory system and is especially harmful to sensitive populations, including youth, seniors, and those with underlying heart and respiratory conditions.

The burn restriction lift will remain in place until weather and fire danger conditions change.

Spokane Fire Department Fire Marshal Lance Dahl stated “With the horrendous fire losses this year across the Nation, I appreciate the effort of our community this summer in practicing recreational safe burning. Please continue this safe burning practice through the fall season.”

The Fire Danger Rating was updated, reflecting area-wide forecasted weather changes.

“We want to thank everyone for their compliance with the burn restrictions this summer,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers. “We experienced one of the worse wildfire seasons in recent history with some difficult conditions. Our hearts go out to those impacted this year. These impacts are always made easier with citizen help and support.”

Provided that people are in compliance with the following regulations, 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.

Chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces, or other patio/deck warmers are allowed as long as approved fuel (seasoned clean, dry firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas) is used and other requirements are satisfied. The fire cannot be used for the purpose of debris disposal, including paper, natural vegetation, garbage, etc.

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

  • Recreational fires can only be in designated areas on public property or on private property with owner approval. Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3’ in diameter and 2’ in height.
  • Fires must be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) at all times until the fire is extinguished.
  • 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.
    • For campfires and fire pits, a minimum 25’ clearance to structures and combustibles is required. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25’ of a structure must be eliminated prior to the fire’s ignition.
    • For portable outdoor fireplaces at one and two-family dwellings, owners must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clearance, which usually includes maintaining the domed screen or other spark arresting type device in place over the fire.
    • For multi-family dwellings (3-units and over), portable outdoor fireplaces require at least a 15-foot clearance from structures and combustibles.
  • 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.

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency may temporarily restrict burning due to increasing fine particle (smoke) levels and air stagnation.

Check the current status.

For more information on burn restrictions in Washington State visit DNR.wa.gov