Chapter 14.90
ANNUAL BURN BAN RESTRICTIONS
Sections:
14.90.020 Violations as a civil infraction.
14.90.040 Open burning prohibited.
14.90.010 Restrictions.
An automatic burn restriction on outdoor burning shall be placed into effect from the first day of June to the thirtieth day of September each year within the unincorporated areas of the county.
A. Burn Restriction Conditions and Procedures. (Note: Burning in burn barrels is illegal—see Section 14.80.030(B)(1).)
1. This burn restriction limits all residential burning to include yard waste (trees, shrubs, grass clippings, etc.), the burning of ditch banks, or any other private burning.
2. The burning of household garbage and building materials (processed lumber) is never allowed by Washington State law at any time.
3. Agricultural field burning or orchard burning is allowed when properly permitted by the Washington State Department of Ecology and precautions have been made for fire suppression if needed.
4. Recreational Fires. Campfires are allowed in approved devices at public campgrounds when allowed by the campground authority. Recreational fires are allowed in private pits at residences when surrounded by twenty-five feet of noncombustible space around the fire pit, a charged water line is present, and the fire is attended at all times. (See Section 14.80.040.)
5. Cooking fires are allowed for large events whether public or private and must be permitted through the fire marshal’s office prior to the event.
6. Open flames associated with gas barbeques or charcoal start-up are allowed in a safe and sane manner. These devices are to be used in an area away from combustible materials including vegetation and must be attended at all times.
7. The Adams County board of county commissioners (BOCC) may extend the ending date of the burn restriction at will based on existing conditions at the time.
8. Additional conditions may be imposed by the BOCC as an emergency procedure if fire conditions become more extreme.
B. This burn restriction does not change the limits on burning already imposed on all cities in the state of Washington and Adams County. Since 2007, burning restrictions have been imposed by the Washington Department of Ecology for all cities and within urban growth areas. When the countywide burn restriction is lifted, the Ecology burn limitations for all cities and urban growth areas will still be in effect.
C. The Adams County burn restriction does not affect fires at state or federal campgrounds in approved devices (check for state or federal bans) or agricultural burning such as the burning of field crop residue and orchard tear-out residue, weed abatement by state or federal irrigation districts provided the burning is permitted and conducted in accordance with the Washington Department of Ecology. (For more information on agricultural burning, contact the Adams County fire marshal’s office, local Adams County fire districts, and the Department of Ecology directly.) (Ord. O-02-21 § 1)
14.90.020 Violations as a civil infraction.
The performance of any act prohibited by this chapter is designated as an infraction. (Ord. O-02-21 § 1)
14.90.030 Citation procedure.
The procedures for issuance of notice of infraction, hearings, assessments, and payments of monetary penalties, shall be in accordance with the provisions contained in Chapter 1.16. Hearings on notices of infractions issued pursuant to this chapter shall subject the violator to the following penalties:
|
(1) First offense |
$150.00 |
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(2) Second offense |
$300.00 |
|
(3) Third and subsequent offenses |
$500.00 |
Infractions maybe be subject to local fire department recuperations for manpower and equipment cost. (Ord. O-02-21 § 1)
14.90.040 Open burning prohibited.
It is unlawful to engage in burning in any unincorporated area in Adams County in an incinerator, open fire, or recreational fire after the Adams County fire marshal has established a burn ban and prior to the ban being lifted unless such burning is conducted in accordance with a written exemption permit pursuant to Section 14.20.010.1
If the land or property is outside of a fire district, no recreational fires shall be allowed during burn bans.
Exception: The Department of Natural Resources may allow recreational fires in designated campgrounds with approved fire pits on DNR protected lands located outside of a fire district. (Ord. O-02-21 § 1)
Code reviser’s note: Ord. O-02-21 originally showed this reference as “Section 14.02.020.” The reference has been changed by the city.