Regional Fire Marshals Lift Burn Restrictions for the Spokane Area

Lance Dahl, Spokane Fire Marshal, 509.625.7040

Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 4:09 p.m.

The outdoor recreational fire restrictions that were implemented on June 4 are being lifted. This will take effect at 8 a.m. Friday morning, October 8, 2021. 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. 

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

Spokane Fire Department Fire Marshal Lance Dahl stated, “This fire season has been historic in the number of wildland fires and acres burned across the nation. Regional firefighters appreciate Spokane residents who did their part during the burn restriction. With the burn restrictions being lifted, please continue to use safe recreational burning practices.”

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

“We want to thank everyone for their compliance with the burn restrictions this summer,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers. “It’s been a long, challenging wildfire season that began with a historic number of fires that were unrelenting – until now. But it is always made easier with citizen help and support.”

Provided that people follow 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 if 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 always attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment) 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) must be present.

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

Check the status at https://www.spokanecleanair.org/current-burning-conditions .

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

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