Last Year’s Grass Considered Very Flammable, Open Burning Guidelines Provided

Residents that need to burn natural debris on their property are reminded that last year's grass is very flammable. Folks are encouraged to always have one person attending a burn pile with means to control or put at the fire, such as water, handy.

"We've had a number of fires in different districts that were started from people that had yard waste being burned or orchard burns and either the wind picked up while the fire was going and spread debris or a fire had been thought to be out but when the wind came up found some embers and got it going again," said Bob Plumb, Chelan County Fire Marshal.

Garbage or building debris isn't allowed and debris burning of natural vegetation is okayed, however the maximum pile size is 4 x 4 feet. A ten foot diameter around the pile should be cleared of flammable material. Burning within the Urban Growth Areas is prohibited.

"We want people to know burning is allowed, but pick your timing. Do it when the wind's not blowing," said Plumb. "If you call the Department of Ecology Daily Burn Decision, that advice that they give on that call is good.

Wind speeds should be low and no burning is allowed if winds exceed 10 miles per hour. The number to reach that hotline is 800-406-5322, Option 1 then option 2 for Chelan County.