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Fire restrictions lowered beginning Oct. 14; outdoor debris burning still banned

Update Posted Oct. 19, 2022: Stage 1 fire restrictions in Chelan County's unincorporated areas have been extended to Oct. 28. Conditions will be re-evaluated next week. Stage 1 restrictions, which include a ban on outdoor debris burning, are listed below.

 

Chelan County commissioners this week signed a resolution that lowers current fire restrictions beginning Oct. 14; however, the resolution doesn’t remove restrictions entirely.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 14, fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County will be lowered to Stage 1. Stage 1 restrictions continue the ban on the outdoor burning of yard debris; however, they allow for recreational, residential campfires. Stage 1 restrictions will be in effect until Oct. 21; conditions will be re-evaluated next week.

Currently, Stage 2 restrictions, which ban outdoor burning and recreational campfires, are in place through Thursday, Oct. 13.

Fire Marshal Stephen Rinaldi warns that just because the restrictions are being lowered on Friday doesn’t mean the fire danger has gone away.

“I caution residents and visitors that if they are going to have a recreational fire that they do not leave it unattended and they ensure it is properly extinguished,” Rinaldi said. “Wind conditions can change rapidly, creating blowing embers. We want everyone to enjoy a recreational fire, but to do so safely.”

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.

While Stage 1 restrictions begin on Oct. 14, the fire hazard levels in both the Valley and Mountain zones of Chelan County will remain at “high,” meaning conditions are still highly prone to wildfire.

“Even though we are seeing cooler temperatures, the Fire Danger Rating remains at high because of the continued lack of precipitation and dry fuels,” Rinaldi said.

Under Stage 1 restrictions:

• Outdoor burning is not allowed.
• Motor vehicles cannot be operated off the county roadway.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• The use of exploding targets and incendiary ammunition are prohibited.
• Target shooting is now allowed.
• Recreational fires on private residential premises or in designated campsites where such fires may be built in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace or grill are allowed.

Last Updated: 10/19/2022 09:32 AM

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