Yakima County Fire Marshal Declares Emergency Burn Ban

Friday June 25 – Monday, July 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     Thursday, June 24, 2021

 Contacts:        Chris Pedersen, Yakima County Fire Marshal  - Office: 509-574-2300     Cell:    509-424-2028

                        Todd Hottell, Yakima County Deputy Fire Marshal -  Office: 509-574-2300

YAKIMA, WA - The Yakima County Fire Marshal has declared a county-wide burn ban for unincorporated Yakima County effective Friday, June 25, 2021 to Monday, July 12, 2021. 

Due to the extremely high temperatures, dry conditions and the lack of available water resources, the Yakima County Fire Marshal has declared a ban on all open burning in the unincorporated areas of Yakima County.  All outdoor burning, including bonfires and recreational fires, are prohibited.  “It is our hope that by declaring a burn ban, we will help ensure that human-caused fires will not divert the resources we need to fight wildfires," said Yakima County Fire Marshal Chris Pedersen.

Yakima County is working with federal and state agencies and local Fire Protection Districts to help protect citizens, property, and the environment from the devastation of uncontrolled fire. 

Outdoor burning in violation of the local ban may be subject to a fine of $1,000, arrest, and/or jail and should be reported to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office at (509) 574-2500.

The ban may be extended if the County continues to experience extremely high temperatures. 

Pedersen also reminds citizens that there is a ban on all fireworks in the unincorporated areas and many cities within Yakima County. 

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