Chapter 8.36
BURNING PERMITS AND REGULATIONS
Sections:
8.36.015 Prohibition of burning.
8.36.025 Prohibited uses – Fuel restrictions.
8.36.030 Controlled burns – Exception.
8.36.040 Penalty for violations.
8.36.010 Definitions.
“Open fire” means any outdoor fire that occurs in such a manner that combustion air is not effectively controlled and combustion products are not effectively vented through a stack or chimney.
“Recreational fire” means cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).
8.36.015 Prohibition of burning.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to kindle or maintain or authorize the setting of any open fire upon any public or private land in the city of Colville. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).
8.36.020 Recreational fires.
A. Use Conditions.
1. Only natural gas, clean, seasoned and dry firewood, charcoal, manufactured fire logs and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) (propane) are permissible fuels for a recreational fire.
2. A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times, and the fire must be extinguished before leaving it.
3. Are subject to burn ban limitations (except LPG as the fuel).
4. There is a minimum 25-foot distance required from any structure for a recreational fire device (excluding barbeques).
5. Fire shall not be within 10 feet of adjoining property lines, fences or decks.
6. Pits shall not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height. The depth of the pit shall be a minimum of four inches and capable of containing all burned material.
7. A minimum of 10 feet shall be maintained around the entire pit, free of combustible grass, shrubbery, weeds, vegetation and any other combustible material, including overhanging limbs from trees.
8. Fires shall be attended at all times by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).
8.36.025 Prohibited uses – Fuel restrictions.
The following uses are prohibited:
A. Burn barrel.
B. Open burning.
C. Burning of yard waste/land clearing debris.
D. Garbage/trash burning.
E. Burning in a below-ground, open pit that contains the fire.
F. Burning of paper, except to start a fire.
G. Building materials burning, i.e., scrap wood, paint, vinyl flooring, roofing, carpet, etc.
H. Burning of carcasses, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, cardboard, treated wood, construction/demolition debris, metal, or any substance (other than dry vegetation) that normally releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or obnoxious odors when burned.
I. Burning of a recreational fire during air-quality burn bans.
J. Outdoor burning that causes an emission of smoke or any other air contaminant that is detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of any person, that causes damage to property or business, or that causes a nuisance. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).
8.36.030 Controlled burns – Exception.
A. Department of Ecology permitted controlled burns by the fire department are allowed.
B. Any private Department of Ecology permitted open burns shall also be approved by the fire chief.
C. Controlled burns of structures are authorized with Department of Ecology approval. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).
8.36.035 Enforcement.
All illegal or unattended fires shall be extinguished immediately and are subject to investigation by the Colville fire department and citation from the Colville police department. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).
8.36.040 Penalty for violations.
A. Any person, firm or corporation convicted of violating this chapter or any portion thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
B. Violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $1,000. (Ord. 1619 NS § 1, 2018).