With temperatures expected to climb above 100 again today, fire officials have banned recreational burning in unincorporated Clark County and within Battle Ground and Yacolt due to dry conditions and wind that elevate the risk of fire.
The cities of Camas, Vancouver and Washougal issued the same ban yesterday, and officials released a statement saying the ban will remain “in effect for the forseeable future, given weather forecasts for continued hot and dry conditions.”
“A small campfire can accidentally spread to adjacent properties very easily with our current conditions,” said Jon Dunaway, Clark County fire marshal. “This is a preventive measure designed to reduce that risk.”
The ban on recreational fires does not include state forests and parks or lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, nor do the burning restrictions apply to federally managed lands.
According to the fire marshal, gas and charcoal barbecues and self-contained camp stoves are allowed. The ban prohibits campfires, outdoor fire pits, outdoor and portable — also known as “patio” — fireplaces, including those with a chimney.
