Fire Danger and Burn Information

Learn before you burn

Burning garbage in Washington has been prohibited for decades. The use of burn barrels is also banned. Smoke from burning in burn barrels is especially noxious because the fires burn at low temperatures, receiving little oxygen and producing excessive smoke and other toxic substances.

There are several types of outdoor burning as defined by state and local regulations. Below are the types of outdoor burning and an overview of the requirements. SRCAA’s Outdoor Burning regulation.

(https://spokanecleanair.org/burning/outdoor-burning/)

Burn Restrictions

Understanding Burn Restrictions

Current Spokane Country Burn Restrictions

  • Recreational fires must not exceed 3′ x 2′
  • Rule burn fires must not exceed 4′ x 4′
  • Use only approved fuels: charcoal, natural gas, propane, manufactured logs/pellets, firewood. Firewood must be dry, clean and natural (untreated).
  • Outdoor wood-fueled recreational fires must be a minimum of 25′ away from any combustibles and structures.
  • A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times. Completely extinguish the fire before leaving it.
  • Permission from a landowner (or owner’s designated representative) must be obtained before having a recreational fire. The fire may not cause a smoke and/or odor nuisance to neighbors.
  • It is never okay to smoke out your neighbors. If smoke from your recreational fire bothers your neighbors, poses a threat or causes damage to their property or otherwise causes a nuisance, you must put it out immediately.
  • For more information, look at Spokane County Full Burn Regulations
Effective January 1st, 2007 RCW 70.94.743(b) prohibits yard, garden and land clearing burning in UGA’s (Urban Growth Areas) across the state.

THE CITY OF DEER PARK IS CONSIDERED AN URBAN GROWTH AREA

This means burning yard/garden debris is NOT allowed within city limits regardless of the existence or absence of any other burn restrictions.

UGA boundaries can be viewed below.

For questions, please call (509) 467-4500.

Deer Park Urban Growth Area Map

Wildfire preparedness

Are you worried about the wildfire threat to your home, but aren’t sure how to get started in making your home defensible?

The area immediately adjacent to your house is particularly important in terms of an effective defensible space. Within an area extending at least 30 feet from the house, the vegetation should be kept….

• Lean—small amounts of flammable vegetation
• Clean—no accumulation of dead vegetation or other flammable debris
• Green—plants are healthy and green during the fire season

The “Lean, Clean, and Green Zone Checklist” will help
you evaluate the area immediately adjacent to your
house.

  • Emphasize the use of low growing herbaceous (non-woody) plants that are kept green during the fire season through irrigation if necessary. Herbaceous plants include lawn, clover, and a variety of other groundcovers.
  • Emphasize use of mulches, rock, and non-combustible hard surfaces (concrete sidewalks, brick patios, and asphalt driveways).
  • Deciduous ornamental trees and shrubs are acceptable if they are kept green and free of dead plant material. Shorter deciduous shrubs are preferred.
  • Minimize the use of ornamental coniferous shrubs and trees (such as juniper, arborvitae, and mugo pine) and tall exotic grasses (such as pampas grass).
  • Tree limbs within 15 feet of a chimney, encroaching on powerlines, or touching the house should be removed.

Planning on burning? Let us know using the form below or by calling us at (509) 467-4500