Agencies lift bans on recreational fires

Recreational fire bans in Camas, Washougal and unincorporated Clark County have been lifted.

Recent rain showers and cooler temperatures prompted Camas-Washougal Fire Department officials on Sept. 1 to lift a recreational burn ban implemented in early August.

Meanwhile, Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway decided to end this year’s ban on recreational fires Sept. 4 while continuing the seasonal ban on fires involving yard debris and land clearing.

Dunaway said the partial ban will continue until at least Oct. 1, depending on fire conditions.

Within Vancouver city limits, the prohibition of recreational fires was also lifted on Sept. 1. According to Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli, all outdoor burning of materials including brush, vegetation and garbage is still prohibited within city limits.

At the state level, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources announced that as of Sept. 5 campfires are allowed in official campgrounds on lands protected by that agency in western Washington.

Recreational campfires are allowed in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as those found in local, county and state parks.

On private land in unincorporated Clark County, recreational fires must be:

o Built in metal, stone or masonry lined pits. Such pits are found in approved campgrounds or sold in home and garden centers.

o No larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.

o At least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels, including tree limbs, patio covers or carports.

o Attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old with ability to extinguish the fire using a shovel, five gallons of water or a water hose connected and charged.

o Completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil on top and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.

Burn barrels are prohibited.