The outdoor recreational fire restrictions that were implemented on July 2nd are being lifted. This will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday morning, October 25th. Due to the current and forecasted cooler and wetter conditions, restrictions for specified outdoor recreational fires (campfires, fire bowls, and fire pits) have been lifted for the Spokane County and Spokane Metro Area by order of Regional Fire Marshals.

The Fire Danger Rating will stay at Moderate until weather and fire danger conditions change.

“We want to thank everyone for complying with the burn restrictions put in place over the summer. We wouldn’t be able to keep our community safe without the help and support of our citizens.” – Deputy Chief Brett Anderson – Spokane Valley Fire Department

Provided that people follow regulations, outdoor recreational fires are allowed in the City of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Millwood, and throughout all unincorporated areas of Spokane County.

Chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces, or other patio/deck warmers are allowed if approved fuel (seasoned clean, dry firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas) is used, and other requirements are satisfied. The fire cannot be used for the purpose of debris disposal, including paper, natural vegetation, garbage, etc.

For more information on Do’s and Don’ts, go to Can I Burn? – Spokane Valley Fire Department

Here are other requirements for outdoor fires:

• Recreational fires can only be in designated areas on public property or on private property with owner approval. Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3’ in diameter and 2’ in height.

• Fires must always be attended by a responsible adult (knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment) until the fire is extinguished.

• Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use.

o Equipment can include a garden hose, dirt, sand, bucket, shovel, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

• Adequate clearance from combustibles must exist.

o For campfires and fire pits, a minimum 25’ clearance to structures and combustibles is required. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25’ of a structure must be eliminated prior to the fire’s ignition.

o For portable outdoor fireplaces at one and two-family dwellings, owners must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clearance, which usually includes maintaining the domed screen or other spark arresting type device in place over the fire.

o For multi-family dwellings (3-units and over), portable outdoor fireplaces require at least a 15-foot clearance from structures and combustibles.

• Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.

• Safe wind conditions (no more than 7-10 mph [DNR Guideline]) must be present.

Although the fire safety seasonal restriction on outdoor burning has been lifted, there are other restrictions and requirements for outdoor burning throughout Spokane County. For details, please visit SpokaneCleanAir.org/outdoor-burning

For information about Rule burn restrictions see the DNR website listed below.

For more information on burn restrictions in Washington State visit DNR.wa.gov

This Spokane Valley Fire Department news article "REGIONAL FIRE MARSHALS LIFT BURN RESTRICTIONS" was originally found on https://www.spokanevalleyfire.com/media-releases/