Outdoor burn ban to come two weeks early

Clark County — Clark County residents have about three more weeks to finish their land-clearing and residential burning before a burn ban goes into effect.

Burning in Clark County will be restricted beginning July 1, with Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway canceling all burning permits issued as of that date. A burn ban for Skamania County begins June 10.

This year’s burn ban comes two weeks earlier than normal due to extreme fire hazard conditions that experts have predicted to start earlier than normal.

Dunaway recommends that rural and urban residents take action to prevent fires by removing fuel from decks and porches and keeping them away from houses and other structures.

Recreational campfires are allowed, but only in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds. Fires should be made at least 25 feet from a structure of combustible materials and should be attended by an adult at all times. Dunaway added that self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires for cooking.

For more information, contact the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-397-2186 or by visiting http://www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/burning.html.