Burn ban implemented in Camas and Washougal

The Camas-Washougal Fire Department has joined the rest of Clark County in implementing a recreational burn ban as the region’s protracted heat wave continues.

The ban affects both Camas and Washougal, though charcoal, gas, and propane grills and fireplaces are still allowed.

Burn bans are more strict in Vancouver, Battle Ground and unincorporated Clark County. Those jurisdictions banned campfires, outdoor fireplaces and chimney-type devices. Cooking outside with approved propane or charcoal barbecues is still allowed.

The bans come as the region deals with an extended stretch of unseasonably hot weather. The temperature has reached at least 90 degrees for 13 days this month, and forecasters are predicting a high of 97 today and 91 Tuesday.

Only 0.02 inch of rain has fallen in Vancouver this month. No rain is in the forecast through Sunday.

The county’s fire marshal encouraged residents to create space around their homes to prevent wildfires from spreading to structures, or vice versa. Here are some measures people can take in rural and urban areas:

-Remove fire fuels (vegetation and debris) from within 3 to 5 feet of foundations, outbuildings, garages and sheds; remove them from within 10 feet of a house and from under decks and porches; and clean out gutters and eaves.

–Cut your lawn if it’s brown and dispose of the trimmings.

–Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground.

–Landscape with native and flame-resistant plants.