County-wide fire safety burn ban lifted

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 2, that the seasonal county-wide fire safety burn ban was lifted at the end of September. 

The Thurston County Fire Marshal enacted the fire ban on July 13 to minimize the fire threat. 

After the ban expired on Sept. 30, restrictions against recreational fire have eased, and permit applications for other types of outdoor burning are open again. 

According to ORCAA, those looking to burn for recreational activities must ensure that burn piles are no more than three feet in diameter and should only use firewood or charcoal as fuel. 

During the ban, recreational fires were limited to private residential properties and established fire rings within government-owned campgrounds. 

Lifting the fire ban also reinstitutes the burning of residential yard waste. The agency reminded us that though the burning of yard waste may now be permitted again, it is better to seek alternative ways to dispose of trash. 

ORCAA stated that curb-side pickup service for yard waste is available in most counties. Yard waste may also be turned into fertilizer, while wood chips may be used for mulching to prevent weeds and improve drainage.  

If one intends to burn their yard waste, the agency noted that only natural vegetation growing on the applicant’s property may be burned, meaning the burning of garbage or debris is not allowed.

The agency also noted that using burn barrels is prohibited in the state. 

County residents may apply for a free permit to burn yard waste through ORCAA’s website. 

Upon completing the form, the agency will automatically send a digital copy of the permit, which must be readily presentable during the burning. The permit lists several other conditions to which applicants must adhere.  

ORCAA reminds us that burning yard waste is prohibited in cities or urban growth areas. The county’s website has a search tool to determine whether one lives within one. 

The Washington Department of Natural Resources also downgraded the fire risk of all the counties under ORCAA's jurisdiction, allowing the agency to accept permit applications for burning vegetation to clear land.  

Other counties within the agency’s jurisdiction include Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, and Pacific.