County-wide burn restrictions remider issued for residents

EPHRATA — The Grant County Commissioners and County Fire Marshal would like to remind Grant County residents that per Ordinance No. 17-082-CC passed Sept. 5, 2017, that outdoor burning will not be allowed starting June 1 and ending on Sept. 30. This ordinance implemented an automatic restriction on outdoor burning each year within the unincorporated areas of the County. Please refer to the Fire Marshal website to view the rules imposed by the ordinance.

While the burn ban is in effect there are times when burning is still allowed. Agricultural and orchard burning are allowed when permitted by the Department of Ecology. Recreational campfires are still allowed in approved devices at public campgrounds when allowed by the campground authority. Recreational campfires are also allowed at residences in private fire pits as long as there is 25 feet of non-combustible space around the fire pit. You will need to have a charged water hose available just in case. Large cooking fires are allowed for events whether public or private and must be permitted through the Grant County Fire Marshal’s Office in advance. Gas barbecues and charcoal barbecues are allowed when used in a safe manner.

Remember that law always prohibits the use of burn barrels and when burning is allowed only natural vegetation may be burned (no household garbage). When the county burn ban is lifted on Sept.30 burning restrictions that are normally in place and imposed by the Washington State Department of Ecology will still be in effect in regards to all cities and urban growth areas.

For information regarding this notice, please contact the Commissioner’s Office at (509) 754-2011 ext. 2928 or the Fire Marshal’s office at ext. 3001 or the Grant County Fire Marshal website: www.grantcountywa.gov.