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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!

  • 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