County Fire Marshall drops charcoal from ongoing burn ban

The Thurston County Fire Marshall now allows using charcoal over the current burn ban.

In a press release issued by the Marshall today, community members are now permitted to light charcoal and charcoal briquettes, as long as they are used with a barbecue “or other appliances specific for the purpose and occur over a non-combustible surface like concrete or brick.”

Since July 19, there has been a burn ban throughout the county due to the current weather in Thurston County.

“The Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the County Manager, and in alignment with Washington State Department of Natural Resources, has determined current weather conditions within the county have met the fire danger level necessary to enact restrictions on outdoor burning to all lands regulated by Thurston County, including no longer allowing recreational fires,” the county explained.

According to the Marshall’s office, the Fire Safety Burn Ban applies to residential yard waste burning, all land clearing burns, and recreational fires, including those in improved fire pits in parks or campgrounds, outdoor fireplaces and similar appliances.

“The restrictions on outdoor burning during the summer have resulted in a significant drop in brush fires and property damage each of the past several years,” the Fire Marshall said, citing fire officials.

Community members can look up the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency website or the WA Department of Natural Resources burn portal for further updates and information.