Vancouver, Wash. – Rain and cooler temperatures have prompted Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway to lift the ban on recreational fires in unincorporated Clark County, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday. The city of Battle Ground is set to do the same, and other cities within Clark County are considering lifting the ban as well. 

The burn ban took effect on July 26 because of extreme fire danger due to dry conditions and hot temperatures.

Under the modified ban, burning yard debris and material from land clearing will continue to be prohibited until at least Oct. 1, if not longer, depending on fire conditions.

“Please keep in mind that just because we’ve had some rain, fires are still possible,” said Dunaway. “Don’t let down your guard.”

Beginning Thursday morning for the unincorporated county areas and those lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, recreational fires will be allowed in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds. 

On private land, recreational fires must comply with the following regulations:

• Fires must be built in metal, rock or masonry-lined pits, such as those in established campgrounds or sold in home and garden stores.
• Fires cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from structures or combustible materials and have at least 20 feet of overhead clearance from tree limbs, patio covers and carports.
• Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person, at least 16 years old, who can extinguish the fire using a shovel and at least 5 gallons of water in one or more containers or a connected hose with the water turned on.
• Fires must be extinguished by pouring water or shoveling moist soil onto flames and coals and stirring until all areas are cool to the touch.

The use of burn barrels is illegal in unincorporated Clark County.

These regulations pertain only to areas outside city limits. Residents in cities should check with their municipality for regulations on recreational fires and other outside burning.