Back

Plan on burning yard waste this spring? It's still dry out there

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

While open burning is allowed until June 1, consider such factors such as the weather and wind conditions, your surroundings, and if you can hold off until conditions green up in our area. Also consider where you live. The burning of yard waste in urban growth areas is prohibited.

The Chelan County Fire Marshal’s Office asks that you keep these outdoor burning guidelines in mind:

Before burning, call the Washington Department of Ecology’s Daily Burn Decision for general guidance at 800-406-5322 (press Option 1 then Option 2 for Chelan County). No burning is allowed if wind speeds exceed 10 mph.

Attended recreational campfires are allowed at dispersed camping sites, private residences and hosted campgrounds in approved campfire rings or pits. The campfire area must be clear – 36 inches in diameter around the campfire – of combustible material. Always have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress a fire.

Burning of natural vegetation is allowed on your property; however, no burning of garbage or building debris is allowed. The maximum pile size is 4 feet by 4 feet. An area of 10 feet around the pile must be clear of combustible material. Again, always have water and a shovel readily available on site to suppress the fire.

No household trash or garbage can 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 (hand tools and water) to control the fire or put out spot fires.

If you have an orchard, agricultural operations do not need a permit from Ecology to burn prunings or fire-blight if they are just limbs and a few whole trees. However, if an orchard is removingwhole blocks of trees or multiple acres, then it needs an agricultural pile burn permit from Ecology.

Last Updated: 04/15/2022 10:59 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 15
    May 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Chelan County Fire District 3 station
  • 13
    May 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

  • 10
    May 2024
    05:00 PM - 05:30 PM

    Lot Drawing for Candidates

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Lot drawing for candidates placement on the ballot.

    Chelan County Elections Office
  • 08
    May 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 May 8, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, ES Conference Room.
  • 06
    May 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Elections: Candidate Filing Week

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Candidate filing week.