Total Burn Ban Now in Effect in Yakima County

As fires continue to rage across the Pacific Northwest, new fire restrictions have been issued across Yakima County, Washington.

Total incineration ban with immediate effect

According to Yakima County:

“In cooperation with the Yakima County Fire Chiefs Association, the Yakima County Fire Marshal has issued new restrictions to the countywide burning ban for unincorporated Yakima County. Effective immediately, all outdoor burning is prohibited.

The additional restrictions are in response to the active and destructive wildfires raging in Yakima County, and the dangers posed by high temperatures and dry conditions. On July 25, the Board of County Commissioners declared a state of emergency due to the Rimrock Retreat Fire, which has burned more than 24,629 acres and is currently only 4 percent contained.

There are only a few exceptions under the current ban. Portable outdoor devices based on manufactured liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas, cooking appliances and patio heaters are exempt from the ban.

Under the previous ban, recreational underground campfire pits smaller than 3 x 3 feet and AG burning were allowed.

Outdoor residential burning in violation of the local ban may result in a $1,000 fine, arrest and/or jail time and should be reported to the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office at (509) 574-2500. For information regarding permitted agricultural burning, contact the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) at 509-834-2050.

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