Effective January 1, 2007 new restrictions for burning outdoors went into effect. As of that date in accordance with new regulations implemented by the Department of Ecology, it is no longer permissible to burn outdoors within city limits or urban growth areas.
Residential and land clearing burning is not allowed in Moses Lake, Coulee City, Coulee Dam, Electric City, Ephrata, George, Grand Coulee, Hartline, Krupp, Mattawa, Quincy, Royal City, Soap Lake, Warden and Wilson Creek.
Urban growth areas extend outside the city limits to some extent. To find out if you are in what is classified as an urban growth area, contact the Grant County Planning Department at 509-754-2011, ext. 2537.
Burning Anything in Burn Barrels Is Illegal
The Grant County Community Development Department located at 264 W Division Avenue in Ephrata has a brochure that explains the States new burning regulations. Here is are a few important regulations:
- Before you burn contact your local fire department for any other restrictions they may have
- Burning household waste and other garbage either in a burn barrel or on the ground is prohibited
- One 4 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet pile of natural vegetation may be burned at least fifty feet away from structures
- Only unprocessed vegetation is legal to burn in Washington State
- The smoke from the fire should not have any impact on your neighbors
- You should also have a hose or some other source of water available to maintain control of the fire