Burn Ban Extended to October 15th

The ban on outdoor burning in unincorporated Chelan County has been extended through Oct. 15.

Under Chelan County code, the Board of County Commissioners can extend fire restrictions, which are put in place annually June 1-Oct. 1, if the circumstances call for its extension.

The two-week extension comes at the recommendation of the Chelan County fire marshal as well as local fire chiefs and state and federal partners. It was passed unanimously by the BOCC on Monday.

“It’s still very dry out there and we have two of the largest wildfires burning in the state here in Chelan County,” Chelan County Fire Marshal Chris Pedersen said. “We are hoping that a two-week extension not only gives firefighters more time to put out those fires but also for more favorable weather conditions to come in – maybe even some rain.”

The burn ban is only one of several fire restrictions currently in place. The following restrictions are in effect through Oct. 15:

• Outdoor, open burning of grass, leaves, brush and other natural materials is prohibited.

• Motorists cannot drive off a county roadway, except to access open public lands.

• The use of exploding targets and incendiary ammunition is prohibited.

• Residential campfires are prohibited.

• Use of coal briquettes is prohibited.

• Shooting outside of gun ranges is prohibited. Hunting is permitted in open areas.

• Fireworks are banned year-round in Chelan County except on Dec. 31.

• Propane fires are always allowed in residential campfires, commercial barbecues and camp stoves.

“Our fire resources are stretched super thin right now with the Lower Sugarloaf Fire near Entiat and the Labor Mountain Fire near Blewett Pass,” Pedersen said. “It’s only a two-week extension, so we need everyone on board. This is an easy way for you to support your local firefighters.”