Area Fire Departments Responding To an Increased Number of Calls for Possible Illegal Burning

Tour Commander, 509.625.7100

Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 12:20 p.m.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD), The Spokane Fire Department (SFD), Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air), along with surrounding fire agencies have recently been experiencing an increase in possible illegal burning calls and uncontrolled fires. Warmer spring weather after a long winter has residents outdoors doing yard work and spring cleaning. We would like to remind area residents that burning garbage, including construction material, and the use of burn barrels is prohibited in our region. Burning outdoors, including yard debris, is not allowed in most areas of Spokane County. Recreational fires are currently allowed until burn restrictions are put in place later this summer. 

“Wildfires are not usually a concern during the Spring in the Pacific Northwest; however we have already seen several small grass fires locally. We encourage people to use caution when burning recreationally.” – Fire Marshal Lance Dahl – City of Spokane Fire Department

Recreational fires that get out-of-control are a common cause of wildfires caused by people. You can be held financially responsible for the cost of fire department response and any property damage it caused.

“As we hop into what appears to be a typical Inland Northwest spring, it’s time to bring wildland awareness to the top of our minds! Fire can spread quickly in dry fuels left over from winter, so let’s start to raise our seasonal awareness levels this week.” – Deputy Fire Marshal Brett Anderson – Spokane Valley Fire Department

Please remember to “Be Fire Smart”:

  • Use clean, dry firewood or manufactured logs,
  • Burn 25’ away from any structure, like a house, garage, or fence,
  • Have an extinguisher or charged water hose nearby,
  • Stay near the fire,
  • Keep any fire small; no larger than 3’ wide and 2’ tall, and
  • Put out the fire completely!

For more information on current burn restrictions, visit Burn Restrictions - Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (spokanecleanair.org).

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