Yakima County Fire Marshal Issues Residential Outdoor Burn Ban Wednesday, June 12 – Monday, September 30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Contacts: Doug Werts, Yakima County Fire Marshal
509-574-2300
Todd Hottell, Public Services Deputy Fire Marshal
509-574-2300
Monica Beltran, Public Services Public Information Officer
509-574-2300
YAKIMA, WA – In partnership with the Yakima County Fire Chiefs Association, the Yakima County Fire Marshal has issued a county-wide burn ban for unincorporated Yakima County effective Wednesday, June 12, 2024, to Monday, September 30, 2024. The outdoor burning of residential waste is prohibited. “Waste” in this ban refers to: Combustible waste generally refers to waste materials including limbs, leaves, brush, and grasses not contained in an approved burning pit or apparatus.
Agricultural field burning or orchard burning may be allowed when permitted through the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA). Outdoor fire pits and ceremonial fires that do not require a permit may still be allowed.
The ban is in response to developing dry conditions and a history of devastating wildfires we have in the area. As in previous years, it aims to ensure that human-caused fires will not divert the resources needed to fight wildfires. Yakima County is working with federal and state agencies and Yakima County Fire Districts to help protect citizens, property, and the environment from the devastation of uncontrolled fires.
The Fire Marshal also noted that fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated Yakima County. For firework regulations within incorporated city and town limits or within the Yakama Nation, please check directly with that jurisdiction.
Residential 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. For information on permitted agricultural burning, please contact the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) at 509-834-2050.
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