Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young has indefinitely extended the open burning and recreational fire ban.
The ban will remain in place until Clark County gets a significant rain event, stated a news release. A notice will be put out by the county when the bans are ended.
Young said the preventative measure aims to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires in the county. It’s in line with the Department of Natural Resources and other counties in Southwest Washington.
“The burn ban has historically been removed on Oct. 1 since we typically have at least one significant rain event in mid to late September, but this year has been unseasonably dry,” Young stated in the release. “At this time, the weather forecast does not show any rainfall in the next two weeks. If conditions change and we get enough rain, we will lift the ban.”
People are encouraged to create a defensible space around their homes to help prevent wildfires from spreading to a residence or vice versa.
Young recommends people remove fuel within three to five feet of foundations, outbuildings, garages and sheds; within 10 feet of a house; under decks and porches; and from gutters, eaves, porches and decks.
People should also cut the lawn if it is brown and dispose of the debris and cuttings, prune trees so the lowest branches are six to 10 feet above the ground, and landscape with native and flame-resistant plants.
Self-contained camp stoves are not included in the ban, stated the release.
