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Fire restrictions in Chelan County come off Oct. 28

All fire restrictions in Chelan County will expire on Friday, Oct. 28, the Chelan County fire marshal recently announced.

In addition, the fire hazard level on Oct. 28 will be reduced from high to moderate in both the Valley and Mountain zones of the county until Nov. 4, said Fire Marshal Stephen Rinaldi.

“The moderate hazard level is a reminder that conditions are improving but caution is still warranted until we get some more rain,” Rinaldi said. “If you are planning on burning any yard debris, we ask that you remain vigilant and make safety a high priority.”

Safety precautions that should be followed when burning residential yard debris include:

  • Keep your burn piles small and manageable.
  • Choose a safe burning site away from powerlines, overhanging limbs, buildings and vehicles.
  • The site should be surrounded by gravel or dirt at least 10 feet in all directions. Keep the surroundings watered down during the burn.
  • Have a means to extinguish the fire, such as a garden hose and shovel, readily available.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Never burn under windy conditions.
  • Rather than burning your leaves, consider bagging them up for disposal at a local brush drop-off site. Woody materials cause less smoke than leaves.
  • If you are an orchardist, follow established guidelines with your local fire district and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

It is unusual for fire restrictions to remain in Chelan County past Oct. 1. Chelan County Code calls for any imposed travel and activity restrictions related to wildfire season to expire in the unincorporated areas on Oct. 1. However, the county announced late last month that restrictions would remain in place because of the ongoing dry conditions and lack of rain.

“On behalf of the county, I want to thank citizens for complying with these extended fire restrictions,” said Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay. “The community’s cooperation helped limit the number of potential fire starts this wildfire season.”

Last Updated: 10/26/2022 12:55 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
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    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