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Open Burning

Open Burning 

If you need to burn natural debris on your property, remember that last year’s grass is very flammable.

Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

  • Please call the Washington Department of Ecology for the Daily Burn Decision for general guidance at 800-406-5322, Option 1 then option 2 for Chelan County. No burning if the wind speeds exceed 10 mph (less is better).
  • Attended recreational campfires are allowed at dispersed camping sites, at private residences, and at hosted campgrounds in approved campfire rings or pits. The campfire area must be clear of combustible material 36 inches in diameter around the campfire. Have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress the fire.
  • Debris burning of natural vegetation is allowed on your property. No burning of garbage or building debris is allowed. Maximum pile size is 4X4-feet. A 10-foot diameter clear of flammable material around the pile is required. Water and a shovel must be readily available on-site to suppress the fire.
  • Burning of yard waste in Urban Growth Areas is prohibited.
  • No Household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time. If your property is not in an Urban Growth Area, only natural vegetation can be burned.
  • Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.
  • Always have at least one person attending the burn pile and provide them with a means to control the fire or put out spot fires. (Hand tools and water if available.)
  • If you have an orchard. Agricultural Operations Do Not need a permit from Ecology to burn their pruning’s or fire-blight if they are just limbs and a few whole trees.  If the orchard is tearing out whole blocks or acreage then they need an agricultural pile burn permit from Ecology.

 

Last Updated: 08/24/2021 09:05 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 04
    Nov 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 01
    Nov 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Nov. 1, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Nov. 1.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 31
    Oct 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Second Half Property Tax Deadline

    Posted by: Chelan County Treasurer

    Second half property tax deadline

  • 28
    Oct 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.

  • 27
    Oct 2025
    09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.