Fire Prevention and Investigation

Fire Danger Ratings & Restrictions

Beginning Oct. 29, 2024  
Fire Hazard: Low Fire Hazard: Low
Restriction: No restrictions at this time Restriction: No restrictions at this time

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The county was divided into two zones because sometimes the fire conditions are different in the mountains and valleys of Chelan County. The Valley Zone includes unincorporated lands and areas within the boundaries of Chelan County Fire Districts 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The Mountain Zone includes unincorporated lands and area within the legal boundaries of Chelan County Fire Districts 3, 9 (Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue) and 10. If you need more details:

A fire danger rating, also called a fire hazard rating, refers to the fire-prone conditions in an area. In Chelan County, there are four ratings: moderate, high, very high and extreme.

The fire restrictions refer to those restrictions placed on travel and outdoor activities because of the current conditions. General fire restrictions go into place annually on June 1. Restrictions then move to Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3, with Stage 3 being the highest level of restrictions. All restrictions are removed annually on Oct. 1 unless the Board of County Commissioners passes a resolution, extending the restrictions.

Most people are concerned about the fire restrictions in their area. But it’s always advised to be aware of the fire danger rating so you know just how fire prone the environment is.

Fire restrictions put in place by the Board of County Commissioners apply only to those lands in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County. Cities have their own fire codes.

In addition, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management put their own restrictions in place on their public lands. If you are recreating on state or federal lands, including state and federal campgrounds and camping sites, make sure to visit their websites to determine the fire restrictions those agencies have in place.

From June 1 to Oct. 1, burning yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings, is prohibited in unincorporated Chelan County. People can still have campfires at their homes as long as the fire is in an approved pit or device. Residential recreational campfires do not become prohibited until we reach Stage 2 of restrictions. Approved commerical barbecues are never prohibited.

See "Current Fire Hazard Designation and Restrictions" for more information.

Please remember that it is always prohibited to burn garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, piles of paper, cardboard, treated wood, construction and demolition debris, metal and other substances that release toxic emissions, dense smoke or obnoxious odors when burned.

In the unincorporated areas of Chelan County, fireworks may only be discharged between 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Fireworks, including sparklers and snakes, are prohibited at all other times of the year.

Counties and cities have their own codes for fireworks. If you live in a city, contact your local city hall to determine when and if fireworks are allowed in the city limits.

Beginning June 1, the use of exploding targets and incendiary ammunition (ammunition such as tracer rounds or ammunition with core material that can cause a spark when striking metal, rock or other hard materials) is prohibited.

When Stage 2 restrictions are in place, target shooting is only allowed at a gun range; however, hunting is permitted in open areas.

An open-flame device can be anything that has a flame that is capable of igniting other materials. Approved open-flame devices are:

  • Pressurized gas camp stoves, catalytic heaters and white gas camp stoves and lanterns
  • Commercially made and labeled barbeque devices
  • Stove or fireplace fires completely contained within a home or residence
  • Propane or pressurized white gas warming devices with a shield and base
  • An enclosed solid fuel fire that utilizes a wick to distribute the flame
  • Listed gas campfire devices
  • Commercial operators can obtain a permit from the county fire marshal or permission from the appropriate fire protection agency for non-labeled devices

Smoking materials, such as cigarettes, should always be properly disposed of in a metal or non-combustible container; never discard cigarettes or other smoking materials in vegetation or flower beds or leave them burning near combustible materials.

Posted: 02/24/2023 10:31 AM
Last Updated: 11/01/2024 03:27 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office